Let’s cook History: Roman Banquet

The expansion of Roman empire has brought new ingredients and recipes into kitchens throughout the ancient world. This episode successfully shows that there is more to the Roman cuisine than wine infested orgies and an abundance of olive oil.

Scenes

Roman kitchen: secluded area

In households during the time of the Roman empire, food was prepared by slaves and servants and the kitchen was a secluded area instead of a central place in the house.

Roman dining in Pompeii

Petroneus, courtier and author, has written about the customs of Roman dining. The atmosphere of banquets in times of the Roman empire is captured by the fresco’s and the remains of Pompeii.

Eating habits of the plebs

In this clip, the eating habits and ingredients used by the plebs of ancient Rome are adressed. The Roman street vendors developed the principle of fast food on street corners.

Roman Empire: making wine

This clip shows the circulation of vines and the development of viticulture in the growing Roman empire. The cultivation of the olives and grapes together is seen as a tribute to the god Bachhus. Furthermore, the clip teaches how wine was produced in the ancient times.

Consuming fish in ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, fish was very expensive compared to meat. Fish was a popular ingredient, and Romans practiced aquaculture in fish ponds. Fish was also used for the sauce garum.

Reenacting Roman marching legion

The highdays of the Roman empire, Pax Romana reigned nearly everywhere. However, some German tribes were known to be rebellious. In this clip, history enthusiasts reenact the Roman marching legions near Bagacum and the visit of emperor Tiberius. The reenactors pay attention to every detail, including cookery and food.

Diet for gladiators

The gladiators of ancient Rome had a strict diet, focusing mainly on energy production. Products consumed included lentils. chickpeas and cheese. The clip shows images of an important ancient fighting location, the Arena of Nimes, France.

Olives in the Roman empire

Because of the popularity of olives and olive oil, cultivating olive trees and the pressing of olives became an important task throughout the Roman empire.

Chef Juan Marie Alsac

The clip consists of an interview with famous chef Juan Mari Arzak, owner of a three star restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain. Furthermore, his impressive taste cabinet is shown in this clip. The chef claims to be inspired by ancient Roman cooking.