A National Party in Assyria (879 BCE)
In 879 BCE, King Ashurnasirpal II threw a massive, ten-day party to celebrate the revitalization of Kalhu and the completion of his new palace. Instead of the traditional nobility and people in power, he opened the party up to everyone. He invited 69,574 (by his own count) guests, including men and women, dignitaries from other lands, palace officials, and the citizens of Kalhu. A stele, crafted to commemorate the party, and details a menu that, even today, would is lavish. Among the delicacies was 500 gazelles, 1,000 oxen, 14,000 imported fattened sheep, 10,000 measures of beer, and 10,000 containers of wine. To round out the main dishes, there were grapes, nuts, cheese, olives, and spices like mustard, honey, garlic, and sesame. He knew a grand party, open to the public, would be great for public relations and public support, even though he was already well respected.