You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Roman Life – Food<br />
Evidence for the kinds of food eaten by the Romans is provided by the writers of those times, by<br />
archaeological excavations which have uncovered nuts, grain seeds and animal bones, and by<br />
thousands of wall paintings, mosaics etc.<br />
The poor could buy grain cheaply at first but in the first century BC it was provided free for thousands<br />
of families. During the later years, in the reign of the Emperor Augustus, about one-third of <strong>Rome</strong>’s population<br />
of 300 000 were being fed by the government. Eventually, when the government was providing free cooking oil,<br />
pork fat and sometimes wine, the financial burden was too heavy and the system was discontinued.<br />
Circular, domed ovens were mainly used to bake bread or pastries. The embers were raked out before the uncooked<br />
bread was placed inside. Country people generally made tough black bread. Townspeople who could afford it<br />
bought softer white bread from the bakeries.<br />
Most food in the wealthier households was cooked over a charcoal-filled brazier or on a hearth with containers<br />
suspended over the flames. Any smoke escaped through the roof or wall vents.<br />
As the Empire spread eastwards, new spices and different ways of cooking foods were introduced to <strong>Rome</strong>.<br />
TEACHERS<br />
N OTE<br />
Viewing Sample<br />
– 38 – <strong>Ancient</strong> <strong>Rome</strong> Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com