orchian

Updated: August 11, 2026

Strengthened with a measure which prescribed more harassing details than the Orchian law. The new enactment actually determined the value and nature of the eatables whose consumption was allowed.

A. H. J. (Abel Hendy Jones) Greenidge - A History of Rome During the Later Republic and Early Principate

The first enactment which attempted to control the wastefulness of the table was an Orchian law of 181, limiting the number of guests that might be invited to entertainments. Cato was consistent in opposing the passing of the measure and in resisting its repeal. He recognised a futile law when he saw it, but he did not wish this futility to be admitted.

A. H. J. (Abel Hendy Jones) Greenidge - A History of Rome During the Later Republic and Early Principate