Dig in Spain reveals ancient Rome’s fast foods

Just as we might grab a burger, hotdog, or kebab when we want a quick snack, ancient Romans grabbed thrushes.

Recently, a study revealed that song thrushes were not a luxury but a fast food option available in Roman street stands of the 1st Century BC.

Archaeologists have challenged the long-held notions about Roman cuisine by examining an ancient cesspit in Pollentia on Mallorca.

The 165 bones were found to be from the migratory Song Thrush (Turdus Philomelos). These bones were found amongst other food remnants like pig and rabbit bones as well chicken bones. They are likely to have been part of daily meals.

Tabernas, which are connected to popinas (Roman snack bars) and have amphorae embedded on their counter, suggest a busy environment similar to fast-food restaurants.

Researchers Alejandro Valenzuela and IMEDEA, who conducted the detailed analysis of the bones, said: “Thrushies were mentioned as a delicacy in ancient texts, often fattened with figs for complex sauces.

“However, the context here – a modest commercial setting, not a lavish villa – strongly suggests these birds were accessible to ordinary Romans.”

Further analysis revealed that these bones had been prepared in a manner consistent with food for quick-serve. The lack of femurs or humeri along with broken breastbones indicates that the birds were probably flattened in oil and pan-fried rather than roasted.

This technique of fast cooking is ideal for the busy environment of street food.

Valenzuela said that these birds are likely to be wild, seasonal catches and provide an efficient, cheap source of protein for working class people.

This discovery at Pollentia gives a more nuanced view of Roman urban diets, street food culture and similar findings found in other Roman archaeological sites. It also highlights the diversity and adaptability of ancient Roman culinary.

New archaeological findings have reshaped our understanding about ancient Roman cuisine. They suggest song thrushes weren’t an exclusive delicacy for the wealthy, but were instead a popular, fast food option available to everyone.

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The International Journal of Osteoarchaeology published a study detailing the discovery of 165 Song Thrush bones in a 1st Century BCE cesspit in a Roman taberna at Pollentia in Mallorca. The discovery of 165 song thrush bones in a cesspit at a Roman taberna (food stall) in Pollentia, Mallorca, along with more common items like pigs’ bones and seashells indicates that the birds were probably wild-caught, and ready for immediate consumption. This contradicts previous beliefs about thrushes being relegated to elite banquets.

The context in which the bird was found, next to a popina, a snack bar similar to the ones in Pompeii suggests a vibrant street food culture, where these birds were readily available as a source of protein to the working class. This find offers a nuanced look at the Roman diet by highlighting its adaptability and diversity beyond traditional staples.