The Roman Empire was perhaps one of the most advance civilizations of its time. As the Romans conquered other parts of the world, they continued to refine the culture they had inherited from the ancient Etruscans. While the Ancient Romans didn’t have the same restaurants, supermarkets, and drive-thrus as we have today, their lifestyle still revolved around food and drink. So, what would Ancient Romans drink?
Alcoholic Beverages
The Romans drank wine as a primary source of liquor, as well as beer, mead, whisky, and other liquors and spirits. In most of the Roman Empire, wine was their primary source of alcohol. Roman farmers grew different strains of grapevines to produce a range of wines, from light and tart to heavy and sweet. The upper-class Romans preferred their red wines, which were esteemed for their strong taste and color. Some Roman wines had added flavors and aromatics from other plants, like honey and coriander, or even dried fruits.
Beer, mead, and whisky were also popular, although these drinks could not be produced in large quantities and were expensive. Beer was made from wheat, rye, and pearled barley. Whisky was distilled from barley wine and, unlike modern whisky, it was likely flavored with herbs and overall quite different in taste and texture.
Non Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic drinks were quite common among the Romans. In warmer months, people would often drink diluted juice from fresh grapes, apples, pears, and other fruits. Honey was also a popular sweetener, and it could be added to wine or other drinks. Juices and wines could also be mixed with water, which was seen as a healthier alternative. Romans also drank milk and had plenty of different cheese to accompany their meals.
In winter, when harvest season was over, Romans would start to ferment vegetables and fruits with honey, producing a sweeter and stronger beverage than wine. These, known as dolia, were often brewed in large stone containers and were a common drink among slaves and other lower-class citizens. Famous populares and philosophers, like Julius Caesar and Cicero were known to be great admirers of this drink.
Herb teas were common among the Ancient Romans. The most popular ones were tussilago, buxus, and thymus, which were often mixed with honey for a sweeter and more intense flavor. These drinks would often be consumed for medicinal purposes.
Drinking in Ancient Rome
Drinking in Ancient Rome was a way to interact and entertain with others. Banquets and other festivities often had drinking involved, and wine was viewed as a way to cultivate the bond between family and friends. Something similar to our modern “wine and cheese” nights was quite common. Wine was often accompanied by other snacks, like olives, cheese, and fruits.
Interestingly, access and purchase of alcoholic beverages were strongly regulated. Merchants and innkeepers were required to possess a licentia bibendi before selling any type of beverage and were monitored by the Roman Equites, an organization responsible for making sure only proper drinks went to sale.
Drinking and Culture
The culture of drinking was highly intertwined with the Roman culture. As wine was the staple drink of the Roman Empire, it was part of nearly every aspect of their culture. It was believed that wine had the abilities to make one wiser, courteous, and courageous, so it is no surprise that it was so widely consumed. In addition, it was a mandatory component of most feasts, parties and other religious rituals.
Romans also believed that drinking away from meals had dubious implications. Those who drank without food were more often than not associated with adultery and excess. Therefore conclusion could be drawn that the moderation of drinking was something that the Ancient Romans highly valued.
Health Benefits of Ancient Roman Drinks
The interpretation of what is considered a “healthy” beverage has changed quite a bit throughout the centuries. If we focus on the alcoholic beverages that the Ancient Romans had access to, what health benefits could one expect from them? As with current wines, ancient Roman wine was known for its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, some studies have shown that the phenolic compounds present in these wines have immune-stimulatory properties and can fight inflammations.
Honey-based beverages are a great source of Magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health. It also contains Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and helps to improve mental clarity. Milk is rich in Calcium, Vitamin A, and can help the body to build strong bones and maintain healthy muscles. Last but not least, tea herbs such as those used by the Ancient Romans were known to have health benefits due to their high Vitamin C content.
Nutritional Profile
Ancient Roman drinks provide a wide array of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Wine contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols, and it also helps in controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Honey-based beverages are great sources of Vitamin C, as well as Iron and Calcium. Milk contains B Vitamins, Calcium, and Vitamin A. Finally, tea herbs have a high Vitamin C content and are a great source of antioxidants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ancient Roman drinks were full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Wine was their primary source of liquor, but beer, mead, whisky, non-alcoholic beverages, and herb teas were also popular. Drinking was seen as a way to interact and entertain, but it was heavily regulated. Ancient Romans highly valued moderation, and drinking away from meals was strongly discouraged. With so many options, it is clear that Ancient Roman drinks were an integral part of their culture.
