This spacious hospitality was long demanded from the rich and powerful, from the general at his triumph, from the great noble on his birthday or his daughter's marriage, from the rich burgher at the dedication of a temple or a forum which he had given to the city, from the man who had been chosen patron of a town in expectation of such largesses, not to speak of the many private patrons whose morning receptions were thronged by a hungry crowd, eager for an invitation to dinner, or its equivalent in the Sportula.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
If those who received the Sportula preferred to enjoy it at a common table, an appointed member of the college would have the food prepared, or convert the money into dishes for the feast.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
1312 On the Sportula at this time, cf.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill