Final answer:
Drinking, particularly wine, was central to the social, religious, and cultural life in Pompeii and Herculaneum, with moderate consumption being a marker of civility. The cult of Bacchus infused drinking with religious significance, while symposiums and entertainment also involved wine. Artifacts and structures from these ancient cities affirm the significance of wine in various aspects of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drinking played a significant role in the social and cultural life of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum. Wine drinking was not just an act of consumption but part of the cultural identity, weaving into various aspects of life from domestic settings to elaborate religious festivities and entertainment. The presence of wine is evidenced in the art and architecture, such as the scenes depicted at the Villa of the Mysteries, and the extensive use of drinking vessels like the oinochoe.
The cult of Bacchus, with its Bacchanalia, brought a religious dimension where wine took on a ritualistic significance. In social contexts, the tradition of symposiums from ancient Greece persisted, where men would engage in intellectual discussions over wine. The Romans had a culture of diluting wine with water, which signifies the importance of moderation, showing how they differentiated themselves from what they considered to be barbaric practices.
Entertainment in Pompeii and Herculaneum included structures for performances and sports, with events often accompanied by feasting and drinking. This connection between entertainment, drinking, and the social fabric is also reflected in the graffiti about gladiators, who were revered and associated with desirability, suggesting a linkage between wine, revelry, and eroticism.