Wealthy Romans like those who lived at places like Lullingstone Villa in the 4th century enjoyed extravagant feasts with expensive imported food and drink. The guests would have dressed in their finest clothes for these dinner parties and reclined on couches around the table, eating the food with their hands. Feasts were served on plates by slaves, while singers and poets provided entertainment for the diners.
An extravagant feast is being hosted at Lullingstone Roman Villa in the 4th century – and you’re invited! Click below to download a colouring sheet, and use pencils, pens or paints to create your own version of the scene.
What's on the menu?
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Meat
The Romans enjoyed pork, wild boar and beef, which was either roasted or boiled. They also invented a recipe that looks a lot like a modern hamburger! (Scroll down this page to find out more…)
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Fish and seafood
Lullingstone wasn’t far from the sea, so fresh fish was probably on the menu. Seafood was served after the main course, and archaeologists have found periwinkle and oyster shells at the site.
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Cheese and eggs
Every Roman legionary had a daily cheese ration – for a full legion of 5000 men that’s about 140 kilos a day! People probably ate goat’s and sheep’s cheese, as well as eggs from many different birds.
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Vegetables
Lots of vegetables we eat today were introduced by the Romans, including parsnips, radishes, lettuce, broad beans, turnips, cabbage and types of carrot.
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Fruit
Exotic fruits that the Romans ate include figs, grapes, cherries, olives, apples, dates and extremely luxurious peaches.
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Dessert
Fruit, sweet pastries, honey cakes and custard puddings were favourite desserts. They were served after the main course, along with shellfish and snails.
Make a tasty Roman burger
You might think America is the home of the hamburger, but it would seem the Romans beat them to it! In a Roman cookbook called Apicius there is a recipe, called 'Isicia Omentata' in the original Latin, which looks a lot like a modern-day burger.
Download the recipe card and ask a grown-up to help you have a go at creating Roman burgers for you and your family or friends.
Download the RecipeOver to you...
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Then or now?
Now you've found out what the Romans ate, what do you think of their food compared to what we eat now? Do you think their diet was healthier or less healthy than in Britain today?
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Off to the wall!
Imagine you are a Roman soldier, setting off to your new post on Hadrian's Wall. What will you take in your lunchbox? Ask an adult to help you make it, then take it on your next visit to an English Heritage site!
