Day 23 – Rome Had Fast Food

Did You Know? Italy

Busy Romans often grabbed a quick meal instead of cooking at home.

Throughout Ancient Rome, there were thousands of thermopolia, small street-side shops where people could purchase ready-to-eat meals. In Day 21 of Did You Know? Italy, we learned Rome had insulae (apartment buildings). Not all rooms in the insulae were equipped with kitchens or water, so making food at home was not easy. Thermopolia’s were created out of necessity for Romans to grab something to eat. Large clay pots (called dolia) built into stone counters held hot foods, grains, nuts, vegetables, beans, fish, bread, and wine. Some were more elaborate than others because they had a place for you to sit.

Archaeologists have uncovered remarkably preserved thermopolia in Pompeii, complete with painted menus and serving counters.

Long before drive-thrus and takeout, Romans were already enjoying fast, convenient meals while going about their daily lives.

Question: If you could order lunch from an ancient Roman food stall, what would you want to try?

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