Could Romans Be Earliest Nation to Know Fast Food?

Could Romans be the earliest nation to know fast-food? The latest discovery in Pompeii city, Italy can tell! During excavation works at the ancient Roman part of the old Pompeii, a fast-food eatery was unearthed.

This discovery can help in giving archaeologists more information about the fast-food and takeaway culture in the Roman civilization.

Massimo Osanna, Pompeii Archaeological Park’s chief, expressed to The Independent that the archaeologists found almost 80 fast foods at the site, "suggesting that takeaway culture was a big part of daily life there."

He added this was the first eatery to be unearthed at this site and it is known as a Thermopolis.

Regarding the structure of the eatery, archaeologists indicated that it is a multi-sided counter, with spaces for deep vessels of hot foods, and it is similar to the modern-day takeaway stand.

"A fresco on the countertop has also provided some insights into how the fast foods were advertised, with images of two upside-down mallards and a rooster painted in Pompeiian red, being featured at the takeaway stand," The Independent described.

Duck bone fragments, alongside remains of goats, pigs, fish, and snails, were found in the eatery.

Moreover, ground fava beans were also discovered at the bottom of a wine container, which means that Romans may add beans wine in ancient for adding more flavour.

"Archaeologists also uncovered human remains near the site, as well as the full skeleton of a dog, marking a rare discovery that researchers said attests to the selective breeding of dogs in ancient times," Osanna expressed to the Associated Press.

Finally, the portraits found on the sides of the eatery may depict the famous recipes at that time according to archaeologists.