Tables are one of the most useful and important pieces of furniture, but they have an amazing history that goes way past the dining rooms. This article takes a closer look at where tables originally came from and how they’ve evolved through history.
The word “table” comes from the Latin word tabula, meaning a flat board or plank. The word was originally used to describe flat things that could be used for eating, writing, and some other things. Over time, this idea has turned into the furniture we know and love today. The history of the table goes back many thousands of years ago. The earliest known table was used by ancient Egyptians around 2500 BCE. These tables were usually simple platforms made from stone or wood and were mainly used for keeping stuff off the ground. They weren’t designed for sitting around, because chairs weren’t around then. Rather, people would kneel or sit on the floor while using the table.
The dining table’s history is connected to social and cultural practices. The ancient Greeks were some of the first people to use tables for meals with groups of people. Their tables were small, transportable, and most of the time brought out during meals and stored away after the meals. The Romans later popularized larger dining tables in their banquets, often made from marble or wood materials.
In medieval European times, the dining table turned into an important central part of larger and grander feasts. They were long and wooden tables, which were usually set in large halls, showing wealth and power. The tables were very heavy and plain but functional for a large group of people. Over time, as homes grew smaller and meals became more private, the table design changed to a smaller and prettier style.
No one person can get credit for making the table. Instead, the table has transformed across many different cultures to meet needs. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all had important parts in the creation of the table.
Today, tables have many styles and come in an infinite amount of materials, but they all have the very same purpose, which is to bring people close and make daily life a tiny bit easier.
RELATED STORIES:
https://www.dailyhistory.org/How_Did_Tables_Evolve_as_Furniture
https://baers.medium.com/furniture-history-evolution-of-the-dining-room-table-1215a2a5fced
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