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Ancient Pompeii Diet Consisted of Giraffe and Other "Exotic'" Delicacies

Posted by samzenpus on from the crunchy-frog dept.

Philip Ross writes "New research into Pompeiians' daily lives is broadening our understanding of this ancient Roman culture, particularly their eating habits, before Mt. Vesuvius brought it all crumbling down nearly 2,000 years ago. Over the past decade, archaeologists excavating a row of building plots discovered remnants of food that would have been widely available and inexpensive in ancient Italy, like grains, fruits, olives, lentils, local fish, nuts and chicken eggs. They also uncovered evidence that Pompeiians enjoyed a variety of exotic foods, some of which would have been imported from outside Italy, including sea urchins, flamingos and even the butchered leg joint of a giraffe."

4 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. Some Things Are Still in the Stores Today by IonOtter · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Garum liquamen is still in the stores today, still doing the same things it did for the ancient Greeks and Romans. We know it as "fish sauce", with one of the most well-known names being Viet Huong 3 Crabs Fish Sauce.

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  2. The Asterix comics were right! by dbIII · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Romans eating Giraffe (with honey?) was mentioned in at least one of them.

  3. Re:MMMM !! GIRAFE !! by flyneye · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This was Pompeii, if they couldn't eat it , they fucked it.
    Ever seen the "hidden" archaeological findings?
    These people didn't have T.V., radio, or internet, but they put on some damn elaborate sex shows.
    It was considered normal to put on a show for your house guests.

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    *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
  4. Re:MMMM !! GIRAFE !! by _merlin · · Score: 3, Interesting

    It's the Old Testament where the God of the Israelites rains fire and brimstone on wicked cities. That had already been written.