Food



__**Cuisine in the Roman Republic**__ Shelby Akin

Our knowledge of the cuisine of the Roman Republic comes from both archeology and from writings of the ancient Romans. (Moulton, 72) We have learned about the kinds of foods eaten, the preparation of the foods, and the meals of the ancient Romans. The main foods eaten by the Romans in the Roman Republic were grains, legumes, olive oil, many fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. (Moulton, 72-73) The main source of energy for the Romans was grain and barley because it was eaten at every meal in the form of flour, bread, porridge, biscuits, cakes and other foods. (Moulton, 73) Grains were the staple food of Rome because of all the ways it could be used. Both legumes and grains were prepared with olive oil, which was very valuable and versatile. Also, fruits and vegetables were eaten at almost every meal in both rich and poor homes, and dates and honey were commonly eaten throughout Rome. (Roman Food) The main fruits were apples, pears, plums, and quinces because they were plentiful and inexpensive.(Mirza, Tsang)Nuts were not particularly the most common food in the republic, but the sauces created from them were extremely popular. Many sauces and spices and herbs were eaten in the Ancient Roman Republic and they were an important part of it’s cuisine.(SPQR) Fish and other meats, such as pork, were often enjoyed by the wealthy social class of the republic.

Most breads and cakes and pastries were baked at home and sometimes commercially. (SPQR) All baking was done in the kitchen but the cooking was often done outside. (SPQR) Also honey and vinegar were often added to most food to get sweet-sour tastes. (SPQR) Occasionally meats were dried but they usually were juts broiled and eaten. The Romans in the ancient republic only ate one large meal, which was during midday, and they called it cena. Also they would eat a small breakfast (ientaculum) before cena and a small supper (vesperna) after cena. (SPQR) The poor would simply eat legumes and grains but the rich would feast on any food they could afford. The rich class would dine on three courses that consisted of eggs, fish, shellfish, raw vegetables, meats, cooked vegetables, fruit, and sweet pastries. (SPQR) The poor Romans would sit at wooden table with wooden stools while the rich lounged on couches at dinner parties or ate in gardens or nice living rooms. (SPQR) Most food was considered finger food but some foods were eaten with forks and spoons.

**Bibliography** “Food and Drink.” __SPQR.__ 1999. SPQR. 3 December 2008 http://library.thinkquest.org/26602/republic.htm “Roman Food.” __History Learning Site.__ 2008. 3 December 2008 http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/roman_food.htm. Mirza, Sumair. “Roman Food.” __Classics Unveiled.__ 2008. 3 December 2008 http://www.classicsunveiled.com/romel/html/romefood.html.

Moulton, C. "Food and Drink."__Ancient Greece and Rome__. "2nd ed". 1998.