You think fast food is a modern invention? Think again. 🌯 Long before McDonald's and Chipotle, the Romans had their own version of quick, cheap, and convenient food on the go. They were called thermopolia (singular: thermopolium), and they were basically ancient fast-food joints. And yes, they were kind of like ancient Chipotle. 😎
Picture this: you're walking down a busy street in Pompeii. You're hungry, you're in a hurry, and you don't have a kitchen because you live in a tiny apartment (an insula). What do you do? You pop into the local thermopolium. 🏃♀️💨
These places were everywhere in Roman cities. They were small storefronts that opened directly onto the street. The most iconic feature was a large, L-shaped counter with big clay pots (dolia) embedded in it. These pots held hot, ready-to-eat food, kind of like a modern-day hot food bar. You'd walk up, point at what you wanted, and they'd ladle it into a bowl for you. 🥣
It was the perfect solution for the Roman working class, who often lived in small apartments without proper cooking facilities. Sound familiar? It's basically the ancient equivalent of grabbing a burrito bowl on your lunch break. 😂
So what were these ancient Romans eating? Thanks to the incredible preservation of Pompeii, we have a pretty good idea. Archaeologists have found traces of food in the dolia, giving us a literal taste of the past. The menu included:
They also served drinks, including wine (of course) and a hot, spiced wine called calida. So you could get a full meal and a drink, all ready to go. It was the ultimate convenience food. 🍷
Let's be clear: these weren't fancy restaurants. Thermopolia were often small, sometimes grimy, and catered to the lower classes. The Roman elite looked down on them, preferring to dine at home with elaborate, multi-course meals. For them, eating in public was a sign of being poor. 🙄
But for the average Roman, the thermopolium was a vital part of daily life. It was a social hub, a place to grab a quick bite, and a reminder that the hustle and bustle of city life isn't so different today. We still want our food fast, cheap, and delicious. The Romans just beat us to it by about 2,000 years. 🤷♀️
So the next time you're ordering a burrito bowl, take a moment to appreciate the long, proud history of fast food. You're not just eating lunch; you're participating in a tradition that goes all the way back to the streets of ancient Rome. And that's pretty fire. 🔥
1. Smithsonian Magazine - "Recently Uncovered Thermopolium Reminds Us That Romans Loved Fast Food"
A great article discussing the discovery of a new thermopolium in Pompeii and what it tells us about Roman dining habits.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/romans-loved-fast-food-much-we-do-180971845/
2. Wikipedia - "Thermopolium"
A comprehensive overview of thermopolia, their design, and their function in Roman society.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermopolium
3. NPR - "What's On The Menu In Ancient Pompeii? Duck, Goat, Snail, Researchers Say"
An article detailing the specific food remains found in a recently excavated thermopolium in Pompeii.
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/27/950645473/whats-on-the-menu-in-ancient-pompeii-duck-goat-snail-researchers-say
