Memories of the Roman food heritage: a reflection

Abstract

It is a reflection, based on historical studies, and with the aim of reflecting on the food evolution and rituals of the ancient Roman civilization. This reflection was structured based on the questions: What is the food source of Roman civilization?; What dialogue exists between food and Roman culture?; and What are the dietary patterns of Roman society and the symbolic significance attributed to food?; The following thematic axes were presented: Roman civilizational food origin; Aspects of Roman culture; Food patterns of Roman society; and Symbolic meaning of food. It was found that there was a deficient diet, such as a lack of vitamins and minerals, due to social inequalities in poor communities, and an exuberant diet for the rich, which influenced the food style and way of life of the Roman people. Also, the expansion of the Roman empire pointed to a strong Greek, mystical and religious influence, as well as, in the disease health process. In the understanding of the progress of a society, food is an interpretative strategy of customs and values and, it increases the awareness of the memory of a people's past.