{"id":1934,"date":"2023-03-06T12:56:40","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T11:56:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=1934"},"modified":"2023-03-06T12:56:40","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T11:56:40","slug":"how-did-the-ancient-romans-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/how-did-the-ancient-romans-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"How did the ancient romans eat?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ancient Romans were a people who were known for their love of food and wine. They ate a variety of food including vegetables, fruit, meat, and fish. The ancient Romans also believed in eating in moderation and not overeating.<\/p>\n

The ancient Romans frequently ate out at public eateries, which were called “thermopolia.” At a thermopolium, one could purchase hot, ready-to-eat dishes, either to eat there or to take away. Dishes were often served on small plates made of lead, which could be reused. Most thermopolia were located near busy intersections, so that people could stop in for a quick meal while running errands.<\/p>\n

How did ancient Romans eat dinner? <\/h2>\n

The Romans generally ate while sitting upright, but the wealthy would recline on couches at dinner parties, and they would often dine outdoors in their gardens when the weather permitted. Cooking vessels were pottery and bronze, sometimes glass or pewter.<\/p>\n

The Roman empire was one of the largest empires in history. As the empire expanded, new fruits and vegetables were added to the menu. The Romans had no aubergines, peppers, courgettes, green beans, or tomatoes, staples of modern Italian cooking.<\/p>\n

Was the Roman diet healthy <\/h3>\n
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The diet of ordinary people in Greece and Rome was derived from cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, olive oil, milk, cheese and a little fish and meat. This pattern fits well with what we would not regard as a healthy diet. The lack of variety in the diet may have contributed to the poor health of the people in these cultures.<\/p>\n

Although the ancient Romans’ diet was mainly based on cereals, vegetables, legumes and cheese, meat and fish were still consumed by some wealthy people. This is because these items were expensive and not always readily available, so only those who could afford it would typically eat them. However, the average Roman citizen would have stuck to the cheaper and more readily available options listed above.<\/p>\n

What is a typical Roman breakfast? <\/h2>\n

A typical breakfast for a Roman looks like a quick coffee and a pastry, eaten standing at the bar. A frothy cappuccino and a warm cornetto is the most common combination. Italian cornetti are sweeter than French croissants and come vuoto (plain) or filled with jam, custard or Nutella.<\/p>\n

This is an interesting bit of history on the Roman belief around meal frequency. It is fascinating to think about how this belief impacted the way people ate for such a long period of time. It is a reminder of how our beliefs around food can shape our eating habits in profound ways.<\/p>\n

What was Roman favorite food? <\/h2>\n
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There were many Roman food items that are not as popular today. Some of these include fattened snails, dormice, and pigeons. While these dishes may not be as favored, they were commonly eaten back in Roman times. A typical Roman family would have a light breakfast of bread and fruit. The mid-day meal, or prandium, would usually consist of a light snack or a seafood dish. Game was also a popular food item among the Romans.<\/p>\n

While the core staples for slaves were low-quality bread and cheap wine, they were also supplemented with average fruits and vegetables, as well as soups, stews, and other hot meals. This ensured that slaves had enough to eat, but the food was not of the highest quality.<\/p>\n

What did Julius Caesar eat <\/h3>\n

Dinner usually consisted of three parts. The first course, called “gustum,” was the appetizer consisting of salads, eggs, cheeses with herbs, mushrooms, truffles, and various fruits. Next was the “mensa prima” (main course), which was a variety of meat, game, or fish. Most of those were served with sauce.<\/p>\n

The ancient Romans had strong, healthy teeth thanks to the absence of one key ingredient from their diet: sugar. Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay, so the lack of it in the Roman diet helped keep their teeth healthy.