The wise among the Sophists: Athenaeus and the tradition of the Seven Sages

The aim of this paper is to study the presence of the Seven Sages in the Deipnosophistae, specifically in the passages where Athenaeus mentions some of these characters who were renowned for their wisdom in Greek tradition. We examine the context and the intention underlying the appearance of these men in the banquet reported by the Athenaeus; we also look at the relationships established among them in the conversation of their scholars; and, finally, we discuss whether this author mentions the legend by depicting them as a defined group.