Eating and Drinking in Roman Britain

This book illuminates the eating and drinking habits of the inhabitants of Britain during the Roman period.

H. E. M. Cool (Author)

9780521802765, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 December 2006

300 pages, 30 b/w illus. 43 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.57 kg

'Like the author, most of us are interested in food and drink, so this book should have wide appeal, and deservedly so. … The evidence available to her is peculiarly rich, extending beyond the confines of artefacts and environmental evidence to the treasure house of the Vindolanda tablets, and her masterly collation and interpretation of this evidence will be of interest to specialist and non-specialist alike.' Britannia

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.

1. Aperitif
2. The food itself
3. The packaging
4. The human remains
5. Written evidence
6. Kitchen and dining basics: techniques and utensils
7. The store cupboard
8. Staples
9. Meat
10. Dairy products
11. Poultry and eggs
12. Fish and seafood
13. Game
14. Greengrocery
15. Drink
16. The end of independence
17. A brand new province
18. Coming of age
19. A different world
20. Digestif.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK]