The life of King Midas, 8th century BC ruler of ancient Phrygia (in modern day Turkey), is full of myths and legends not least that fable of a monarch who turned a few too many things (and people) into gold. But his death offered historians a real glimpse into the past or, more precisely, of dinner time. After excavating Midas's tomb in 1957, archaeologists discovered the remains of a vast meal, what was likely the king's funerary feast. Three giant 33-gallon cauldrons that likely bore a mixture of wine and mead were accompanied by 100 bronze cups suggesting each guest drank at least a gallon of alcohol. The booze washed down what scientists and paleobotanists imagine was a glorious repast of goat stews, grilled lamb and hearty concoctions of pulses and lentils. Evidently they were so full that when the eating was done and the dead king interred no one bothered to do the dishes.