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| Pompeii Thermopolium (Photo by Daniele Florio) |
Actually, “thermopolia”
was the generic term for Ancient
Rome’s fast-food restaurants. Although Caesar might
have sent a slave or two to pick up some
goodies, it’s unlikely that he himself would have frequented
such places.
In fact,
other Roman emperors downright nixed these
establishments. Caligula even sentenced
a man to death
for selling hot water, “a crackdown that would
have surely impacted thermopolia.” Claudius
added boiled meat to the verboten
list.
Why were
emperors so opposed to the Roman equivalent
of fries on the run? These eateries became
gathering places for the poor because there were no
kitchens within slum-type dwellings. Dictators
have traditionally feared such camaraderie, thinking it
could lead to revolution.
Nevertheless, wealthy citizens did slip out for an
occasional thermopolia treat. They may
have had hankerings
for such specialties as “fish sauce” and “baked cheese
slathered with honey.” Plus, there was the “warm
spiced wine,” which made such visits all the more
tantalizing.
Resources
https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/restaurantsandnews/fast-food-has-existed-since-ancient-rome/ss-AAvOkI7?li=BBnb7Kw&ocid=BHEA000#image=1
Copyright April 13, 2018 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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