In Greek mythology, satyrs were the assistants of Dionysus. Creatures of the woods, they resembled humans with some animal features, such as tails and cleft hooves. Lovers of excess, they are described and depicted intent on getting drunk to release their wild instincts. Priestesses of Dionysus, the maenads - literally, "the possessed", so called for their behaviour - played the flute and danced during Dionysian processions. Music and dance were essential elements of the symposium.

Drinking vessels were often decorated with scenes related to banqueting: preparation of the symposium, with servants bearing kraters accompanied by flute and lyre players, to emphasize the role of music and dance; dancing satyrs and maenads, and followers in Dionysus's train.