Classical literature readily refers to the splendour of Persian royal banquets with gold, silver and glass tableware. From Phoenicia and Syria (among others, from the hills of Safita and Helban near Damascus) not only wine was imported, but also sets for serving
and drinking wine that continued a tradition from the late Bronze Age. Bronze drinking vessels, small strainers and spoons were typical funerary offerings for the prominent deceased during the reign of the Achaemenid rulers. E.G.