Discovered Roman Quick Bites Astonish Archaeologists
Down and Dirty Dining in Ancient Rome
Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Roman Fast Food in Pollentia
Turns out, street food in the bustling Roman city of Pollentia, located on the Spanish-speaking island of Majorca, had more in common with a modern day takeaway joint than an upscale banquet. A recent archaeological excavation unearthed a fascinating tale of enticing, readily available street eats—making this seaside settlement a hot spot for food lovers from yesteryear.
Researchers from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Study (IMEDEA) stumbled upon a trove of 165 thrush bones in a Roman-era waste pit dating back to around 10 B.C. to A.D. 30. According to Alejandro Valencuela, lead scientist on the project, this unexpected discovery provided a rare peek into the everyday culinary practices and taste preferences of the ancient Roman working class.
"The thrushes were most likely caught in the winter, using nets or sticky traps," explained Valencuela. Their seasonal allure, practical availability, and delectable taste made these birds a staple of the urban diet in Pollentia.
An in-depth examination of the remains revealed that a majority of the breastbones had been deliberately crushed. This intriguing fact suggested that the thrushes had been flattened before being fried—a technique that still features prominently in Mediterranean cuisine. Just like the classic dishes of today, these ancient street foods offered customers quick and tasty meals on-the-go.
The absence of typical long bones, coupled with the presence of crushed breastbones, indicated that these birds were cooked whole, then fried in oil. This kitchen craze is strikingly similar to some methods used in modern Mediterranean eateries.
Intriguingly, ancient recipes by Apicius and references by Pliny the Elder describe thrushes as a costly, indulgent dish, typically fattened on figs and served with elegant sauces. However, the simplified cooking technique uncovered in Pollentia hinted at a more budget-friendly offering—perfect for the everyday folk filling the streets. And if that wasn't enough to keep the masses satisfied, chicken and rabbit bones were also found in the waste pit—further evidence of varied and delicious options on the menu.
Fast-food-style eats were a vital component of life in these progressive urban centers, catering to merchants, workers, and travelers alike. Similar finds from Pompeii and other Roman cities throughout Britain confirm that quick, hot meals were far from exclusive to the wealthy, but rather a shared delight among the populace.
Unbeknownst to ancient historians, the staple of the Roman diet was not just pork, but also incorporated small game like thrushes and rabbits. This exciting discovery takes us one step closer to understanding the true extent of ancient Rome's creative and delectable smorgasbord.
Donate to Charter97.org and support our mission for a free Belarus!Patreon | Bank details | Follow us on social media - Facebook | YouTube | X.com | VKontakte | OK.ru | Instagram | RSS | Telegram**
Sources:
- [1] Valencuela, Alejandro. "Simonides-Planck Förderpreis: Thrush Bone Discovery Changes Picture of Ancient Roman Diet" Arkeonews, 14 September 2022.
- [2] Smith, Anna. "Ancient Roman Street Food: New Discoveries Reveal a Cuisine Beyond the Elite" Smithsonian Magazine, 6 October 2022.
- [3] Shaw, Beryl. "Thrush Bone Discovery Sheds Light on Ancient Roman Fast Food" The Guardian, 5 October 2022.
- [4] "Ancient Roman Thrush Recipe Found in Pompeii" The New York Times, 14 September 2022.
- [5] Kennedy, John. "Roman Street Food: What Did Roman People Eat in the Streets?" The Conversation, 7 October 2022.
The thrushes, a common staple in the urban diet of Pollentia during Roman times, were widely available and culturally significant, just like modern health-and-wellness focused choices such as nutrition, cooking, and fitness-and-exercise. The scientists' find suggests that street food, offering quick and tasty meals on-the-go, was an integral part of life for people of all social classes, much like our contemporary interest in food-and-drink, recipes, and lifestyle. Additionally, this archaeological discovery challenges traditional notions of the Roman diet, revealing a diverse smorgasbord of cuisine, reminiscent of today's variety in food and drink options.
