Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, so it’s important to know when and how it was eaten in the past. This article will explore what time the ancient Romans ate breakfast. Traditionally considered the first meal of the day, breakfast has been eaten since ancient times, but the eating habits of the ancient Romans may surprise you.
In the first and second centuries CE, the ancient Romans did not typically eat breakfast as we would consider it today. Instead, for the majority of the day, citizens would either not eat at all or just have a small snack. This light meal was usually eaten around the afternoon, and so it was called prandium, which is Latin for lunch. In the Roman culture of the time, the midday meal was the most important, and it was the only substantial meal of the day. In the evening, a light meal would be eaten around 9 or 10 pm, not too far off from the modern conception of dinner.
The common Roman breakfast was mulsum, a light drink composed of mixed honey and wine, usually mixed into a porridge that contained grains and nuts, such as barley or wheat. It was sometimes flavoured with spices and fruit, such as dates or apples, for extra flavour. Another typical breakfast food was panis, a simple flatbread that was boiled or baked. This was often spread with honey, oil, herbs, or cheese. Very rarely, the ancient Romans would consume eggs from fowl, or fresh vegetables.
This is in stark contrast to the modern full English breakfast, with its emphasis on cooked proteins, such as fried eggs, bacon and sausages, as well as toast and bread. However, when it comes to common breakfast staples, such as cereal, the ancient Romans were more likely to consume a porridge-like dish than we are today.
The ancient Roman breakfast was relatively light, and as a result, it was consumed very early. According to historians, the Romans rose at dawn and began work immediately, so breakfast was eaten before 7 in the morning. This is still much earlier than the typical Western breakfast, which tends to be much more substantial than the Roman one. This may explain why many Westerners don’t feel the need to eat breakfast until much later in the day.
Interestingly, the ancient Romans were not the only culture to consume breakfast early and with a light meal. The ancient Egyptians, Hebrews and Greeks all followed similar breakfast traditions. In modern times, the meal of choice tends to be later in the day, with heavier, cooked foods, but the ancient people of the Mediterranean were much more likely to have a light, early meal.
The Fluctuating Timing Of Breakfast
Over time, the timing of the first meal of the day has fluctuated. For example, after the 400s CE, the addition of porridge to breakfast became somewhat more popular in Europe. This meant that the meal could last longer, not just as a snack. This also shifted the timing of the meal from the morning to around 10 or 11 am, as people began to eat more substantial foods.
Even into the Middle Ages, there were two meals eaten a day, the larger one being dinner. Breakfast consisted of eggs, bread, ale, wine and vegetables, but it was eaten at different times depending on the season. In the summer, since the days were longer, it moved further into the day, while in the winter, where the days were shorter, it moved closer to the morning.
Changes in technology and farming techniques have also had an impact on the timing of breakfast. As mass produced food became more commonplace in the 1800s, it became customary for people to consume breakfast after 9 am, as opposed to around dawn as before. This was due to the increased accessibility of cooked food, as well as the introduction of breakfast cereals.
Breakfast Eating Habits In The Modern World
Modern eating habits have become somewhat more relaxed than in ancient times. People typically now eat breakfast meals with heavier components, such as cooked proteins and toast, rather than light, porridge-like dishes. The timing of the meal has also shifted from the early morning to later in the day, with many people choosing to skip breakfast entirely.
In the Western world, breakfast is almost always eaten this way, with few exceptions. However, many other cultures have different breakfast traditions, including in Asia and Africa. Breakfast staples in these areas vary greatly, from flatbread with numerous toppings to light soups. Some cultures even have specific recipes only eaten at breakfast time, such as the African Ful Mudammas, or rice congee in China.
Although the ancient Romans did not eat a breakfast as we would consider it today, they still had an important role in shaping the meal’s importance. This is especially true when it comes to the idea of a light meal being eaten first thing in the morning. As this article has explored, the concept of breakfast has changed over the centuries, but the importance of the meal remains.
Wide Geographic variation In Breakfast Traditions
As breakfast is a fundamental part of the day, its traditions vary between different cultures, even within the same geographical area. For example, in Mexico, the first meal of the day is known as desayuno, which includes a variety of dishes, including eggs, tamales, atole and fruits. The country also has a variety of snacks that are eaten as an alternative to a full-fledged breakfast. In Spain, it’s known as desayuno, and is much like that of Mexico, although it is often hotter with a wider variety of dishes.
In South Asia, breakfast is typically based around cereals and grains and includes dishes like dosa, idli and paratha. Rice dishes, such as congee, are also eaten, along with fruit smoothies. In the Middle East, breakfast is much like that of South Asia, but also includes cheese and yogurt, as well as breads, such as manaeesh or ful mudammas. There is also a wider variety of drinks, including tea, milk, yogurt, and coffee.
With the introduction of globalization, breakfast has also become increasingly commercialized, with various types of cereals, pre-made breakfasts and other convenient options becoming much more common. Pre-made muesli, granola and oatmeal have become widespread in the Western world, while sandwich and toast bars are becoming increasingly popular in many parts of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, breakfast has become much more accessible across the globe.
Mental Health Benefits Of Eating Breakfast
Eating breakfast is also known to help mental health, as it can improve concentration, memory and performance. Several studies have shown that those who eat breakfast have better cognitive functioning and better memory, and are less likely to experience depression. Eating breakfast can also improve mood and reduce levels of stress. As a result, it is important to make sure that breakfast is consumed at the right time, as this can be beneficial for mental wellbeing.
One interesting thing to note is that breakfast is the most commonly skipped meal. In the US, over 25% of the population does not eat breakfast on a regular basis, with more than 90% of adults skipping breakfast on a weekly basis. According to the US Department of Agriculture, skipping breakfast is more common among adults than children, and is more frequent among those with lower incomes. This highlights the importance of making sure that breakfast is accessible and available to all.
The Food Poverty Gap In Breakfast Habits
One area that has seen a dramatic rise in breakfast skipping is food poverty, which can prevent people from having access to nutritious meals. According to the UN Children’s Fund, close to one in five children in the United States is living in a household with food insecurity. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all people have access to a nutritious breakfast, regardless of income level.
The same is true in many other countries, with millions of people being unable to access breakfast due to poverty. As a result, it is essential that governments, businesses and individuals work together to ensure that everyone has access to a nutritious breakfast. This could be done through various initiatives, such as providing free breakfast in schools, supplying breakfast to vulnerable communities, or providing vouchers for those in financial need.
As this article has explored, the traditions and timing of the first meal of the day have changed over the centuries. From the light Romana breakfast to the heavy modern one, the importance of eating breakfast has endured. Eating breakfast helps to fuel the body and mind, but it is also important that everyone has access to a nutritious breakfast.
