Roman Culture

FOOD

The most basic items that the Romans had in their meals consisted of barley, olive oil, and wine. The poor people often ate this, or porridge made out of grains. Porridge between the poor and rich was different. Fresh cheese, honey, eggs, barley, and barley wheat or oats made up the rich peoples porridge while the poor just had plain porridge made out of wheat, water, and milk. Rich people were luckier and had more options, one of them being meat. They had beef, pork, poultry, fowl, lamb, and fish. Although they had all this delicious food, they didn't even care what it tasted like. The more exotic the food was, the better. Rome was influenced by other cultures, and only had three meals a day. The first one, ientaculum, was followed by a light lunch (prandium), and finally a light supper (vasperna) and dinner (Coena- main course). During dinner, there are three courses. Gusatio, the first course, was very elaborate and usually consisted of eggs as an appetizer. Primae Minsae, the main course, included meat. Birds were a lovely choice, especially peacock because of how expensive it was. Sauces were included in most, if not all of their dishes. Last but certainly not least, dessert (secundae mensae). Fresh fruit, nuts and baked goods were served. Cheesecake and tarts were popular.