Banquettes were an important part of the representation of classical rulers. In this function they are reconstructed from the sources, systematically presented and analysed here for the first time. In the process, the question of the possible existence of a genetic relation between the Hellenic 'deipnon basilikon' and emporer's convivium is considered, and also whether these events constitute uniformly structured institutions. It provides insights not only into the 'table customs' of kings and emperors, but also into the expectations of and the manner in which different rulers self-conceptions were manifested in the ritual life of their courts and houses.