The consumption of alcoholic drinks has been an important part of social and religious life since ancient times. In many ancient societies, from Greece to the Romans, wine was seen as a sacred drink. Ancient Rome is no exception, with their strong traditions and culture that centered around their gods, wine was essential. It was often used for religious ceremonies and for social occasions. So what type of alcohol did the ancient Romans drink?
The name for alcoholic drink in Ancient Rome was “Cerevisia”, which was made from fermented wine grapes. It was not until the 3rd century AD that the Romans began to make beer from barley and wheat. At this time, only the strong and wealthy were allowed to drink the beer, while the lower classes of society continued to drink cerevisia. Ancient Roman wines tended to be sweet and reddish in colour, and were served in traditional terracotta cups called “Kylikes”. They were usually mixed with sweetened water and herbs.
Apart from wine, the Romans also made a variety of beers as well as a form of distilled liquor known as “Acetum”, which was made from strong wines, spices, and herbs. It was said to be quite a potent drink and was often served at funerals or to laborious workers after a hard day’s work. The drinking culture of Ancient Rome was very different from the modern drinking culture, as the primary purpose of drinking for them was for the pleasure of it.
The Romans also had an appreciation for other fermented drinks such as mead, a honey-based brew, as well as a tart, sour drink called Cidina, made from fermented apples. These popular beverages were a part of Roman social life and were enjoyed by all classes and ages of Roman society. Ancient Romans also enjoyed grape juice and pomegranate, two of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks.
The Ancient Romans were quite advanced in terms of their drinks and had a wide range of beverages they could choose from. Beer was not their primary beverage, as they preferred to stick with wine and other fermented drinks, such as mead and aceta. This is likely because beer was not widely available or appreciated globally like it is today. It was only later in the empire when developments in brewing techniques made beer more accessible to the lower classes.
Effects of Alcohol on Ancient Romans
The effects of alcohol on the ancient Romans were quite different from the effects that are seen in modern society. Ancient Roman laws were very strict when it came to alcohol consumption, as the Romans believed that it was a behavior that should be moderated and supervised. Drunkenness was frowned upon, and anyone found to be inebriated in public was subject to fines and humiliation.Roman men, especially the wealthy, were notorious for their excessive drinking, and this was seen as a sign of social status and power. However, for women and the lower classes, excessive drinking was frowned upon.
Although Ancient Romans mostly drank for pleasure, it was also used as a form of medicine. It was seen as an effective remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments, as well as a way to deal with the pain and discomfort of wounds and fractures. It was believed to help with both physical and mental ailments.
To sum up, Ancient Roman civilization had a wide range of beverages to choose from, from beer to wines and other fermented beverages. The effects of alcohol on the Ancient Romans were quite different from the effects seen in modern society. Although Ancient Romans mostly drank for pleasure, it was also used as a form of medicine.
How Ancient Romans Celebrated with Alcohol
Drinking was a very important part of Ancient Roman social life. Social drinking was often found in smaller, informal occasions such as dinner parties and family gatherings. It was also an important part of larger social events such as festivals and public games. Wine was seen as an important element of feasting and was often served at wedding parties, funerals and religious ceremonies.
Ancient Roman drinking habits were quite different from modern ones. It was believed that moderate drinking was preferable to excessive drinking and the Romans considered it impolite to get drunk. They also believed that a man’s behavior was greatly affected by wine, and he was expected to be in control of himself. Romans would often drink wine from vessels called ‘calix’, made from clay, glass or bronze.
At large social events, festive drinks such as the Saturnalia Punch, a mixture of Wine, spiced honey, herbs, and stale bread was often served. This was named after the Saturnalia celebrations and was meant to share a sense of equality and cheerfulness. Ancient Romans also had a sweet wine known as ‘Mulsum’, which was made of honey and wine and was popularly served at festivals or as a part of dinner.
The type of alcohol that Ancient Romans enjoyed depended greatly on the class and wealth of the person consuming it. For the wealthy, luxurious wines imported from other lands such as Egypt and Greece, were favored, while those of lower classes favored beers or weaker wines. Overall, the consumption of alcohol was strongly intertwined with social gatherings and festivals in Ancient Rome.
Regulations on Alcohol in Ancient Rome
The consumption of alcohol in Ancient Rome was regulated by several laws. The main law was Lex Iulia de Cenatu, which was passed by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, and states that no wine could be served after sunset, and that a curfew of 9pm had to be adhered to. This law was intended to prevent drunkenness and excessive consumption.
Serving alcohol or intoxication in public places was also prohibited, and those found guilty could face fines or jail time. These laws were strictly enforced, and public modesty was highly valued by the Ancient Romans and seen as important for maintaining social order. While these laws were not always strictly followed, the Ancient Romans had a general sense of personal responsibility when it came to the consumption of alcohol.
In addition to the laws, it is important to mention that the Ancient Romans had a strong culture of moderation and temperance when it came to drinking. It was seen as socially unacceptable to drink excessively, and Ancient Roman men were expected to maintain their composure and avoid any form of drunkenness. This was in stark contrast to the contemporary culture in some parts of the world where heavy drinking and intoxication is encouraged.
Modern Perception of Drinking in Ancient Rome
Today, the consumption of wine and other alcoholic beverages is a common feature of the everyday life of modern Western societies, seen both as an indulgence and a means to unwind. The Ancient Roman attitude towards drinking was very different, however. Wine was an important part of social life and was meant to be enjoyed with moderation and discretion. Intoxication was frowned upon and was considered to be socially unacceptable.
The Ancient Romans had a strong sense of responsibility when it came to drinking, and took great care to ensure that none of their guests drank excessively. Despite this, it is generally accepted that Ancient Roman men often drank heavily and it was not uncommon to see them in an intoxicated state. Regardless of the modern perception, Ancient Romans had a wide range of alcoholic drinks to choose from, and their culture of moderation ensured that drinking was a source of enjoyment rather than a source of social shame.
Modern Equivalents of Ancient Drinks
The modern equivalents for the drinks mentioned above are widely available in supermarkets and liquor stores. Wine remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world, and many countries have their own regional wines. Beer and mead have been greatly developed and improved over time, and they remain popular drinks. Cider is gaining popularity in many countries, and many cider breweries have sprung up in the last decade. Aceta is not widely available, but some specialty liquor stores carry it. Grape juice is a common juice found in supermarkets, while Pomegranate juice can be found in health food stores.
Overall, Ancient Rome had quite a wide range of alcoholic beverages available to them, from beers and wines to more luxurious fortified wines. It was an important part of Roman life, used both for social and religious events, as well as medicinal purposes. Today, many of the drinks they enjoyed centuries ago can still be found, albeit in a different form. Despite the modern perception of drinking, Ancient Roman drinking habits were strongly linked to moderation and temperance, and it was seen as an important part of maintaining social order.
