New research from a Mallorca cesspit has revealed that thrushes, a small bird often considered a delicacy, were actually a common street food item for ancient Romans, particularly the working class. This challenges the long-held belief that such birds were primarily consumed by the elite. The study, published as ‘Urban Consumption of Thrushes in the Early Roman City of Pollentia, Mallorca,’ provides insight into the daily lives and dietary habits of ordinary Romans.
The archaeological findings, including bones of multiple species of animals in a first-century cesspit, suggest that thrushes were part of the everyday diet in Roman cities. The evidence indicates that these birds were sold in tabernae, or small taverns, where working-class citizens could access affordable meals. Researchers note that the presence of animal remains in the cesspit, connected to a fast-food establishment, highlights the role of these venues in serving a variety of meats, often prepared quickly and simply, such as frying.
Alongside thrushes, pigs, sheep, and fish were common food items in Roman diets, with these meats being available at tabernae and popinae, small businesses catering to urban populations. The study emphasizes the resourcefulness of Roman cooking, which maximized the use of every part of the animal, including less valuable cuts for broths and stews. This approach to food preparation is seen as a contrast to modern fast food practices, which often prioritize specific cuts over the whole animal.
Archaeologists have also uncovered additional evidence of daily life in ancient Rome, such as the discovery of a Christian church within an ancient Roman bathhouse, further illustrating the complexity of life in Roman cities. In addition, the world’s oldest bottle of wine has been found in an ancient Roman burial site in southern Spain, offering further insights into Roman culinary and social practices.