Trimalchio

• Trimalchio is a character in the Work Satyricon by Petronius (c.27-66 CE).
• Petronius satyrises the Freedman Trimalchio and his guests as being arrogant and pompous.

Trimalchio’s Dinner

• In the Satyricon, Chapters 26-28 are the subject of Trimalchio’s Dinner.
• The central character, Encolpius, is invited to an ostentatious dinner at the Estate of the wealthy Freedman Trimalchio.
• Petronius satyrises Trimalchio and his guests, who are mostly Freedmen, for being vulgar and brash.
• Petronius is making a social commentary on Roman Society in the 1st century CE.