The dinner party to the Romans was a formal occasion with everyone involved seated in their designated places according to status.

There were three tables.
Medius : The upper/main table.
Summus : The middle table.
Imus : The bottom table.

The guests would occupy the first two tables at top and right, with the host showing his respect for his guests by occupying the lower or minor table.

The Romans did not have seats for dining as we know them, so the diners would sit on cushions beside each 12" (30cm) high table.