Eating and Drinking in Roman Britain

Abstract

What were the eating and drinking habits of the inhabitants of Britain during the Roman period? Drawing on evidence from a large number of archaeological excavations, this fascinating study shows how varied these habits were in different regions and amongst different communities and challenges the idea that there was any one single way of being Roman or native. Integrating a range of archaeological sources, including pottery, metalwork and environmental evidence such as animal bone and seeds, this book illuminates eating and drinking choices, providing invaluable insights into how those communities regarded their world. The book contains sections on the nature of the different types of evidence used and how this can be analysed. It will be a useful guide to all archaeologists and those who wish to learn about the strength and weaknesses of this material and how best to use it.

Diet, social differentiation and cultural change in Roman Britain: new isotopic evidence from Gloucestershire

“…There is a growing amount of evidence to suggest that the diet of Britain's population changed quite considerably with the arrival of the Romans, particularly in the lowlands, the towns and among the upper classes (Wilson 1973;Meadows 2002;Cool 2006;Mattingly 2008). During the pre-Roman Iron Age, most Britons appear to have subsisted on a combination of pastoralism and crop husbandry, especially of emmer wheat and barley (Cunliffe 1991).…”

“…Plant remains indicate the introduction of new species, while new vessel types suggest changes in food processing and cookery techniques (Meadows 2002;Cool 2006;Booth 2007). Millet occurs for the first time at several sites in Britain, as do grapes and cherries (Willcox 1977;van der Veen et al 2008).…”

“…At rural settlements, however, fish bones are less common, with the exception of some villa sites where they do occur in some quantity (Grant 1989;Locker 2007). In the Roman world, fish and other seafood often had connotations of great luxury which is why it is perhaps not entirely surprising that fish remains are more common at sites where there are other signs of prestige development, such as the villa at Gorhambury (Cool 2006). Overall, it appears that fish consumption was more important in the towns of Roman Britain and among the upper classes (Richards et al 1998;Cool 2006;Locker 2007).…”

Polybius’s global moment and human mobility through ancient Italy

“…Note, however, the development of some approaches in more substantial publications, e.g. Eckardt (2002), Cool (2006) and Gardner (2007a). 12.…”

“…13. For Britain, Cool (2006) effectively summarises the problems and potential of using the wealth of published finds data. Allison (2004) presents a similar discussion of the evidence for Pompeii.…”