ACCORDING TO RESEARCH REVEALS ANCIENT ROMANS ENJOYS FAST FOOD AS MUCH AS MODERN TIMES

The enjoyment of fast food is not unique to our civilisation. A recent study published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology claims that, surprisingly, the ancient Romans consumed some type of fast food, although it was nothing like the franchised favourites of today, such as fried chicken or hamburgers. Research at the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, located on the island of Mallorca in modern-day Spain, led to the discovery. Animal remains found in a 13-foot-deep urban cesspit were examined by researcher Alejandro Valenzuela of the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies.

Originally a harbour that later became a commercial centre, Pollentia had a network of tabernae, or little stores and workshops, including popinae, which were taverns that provided food and beverages similar to those seen in bars today. An underground drainage system that flowed into the cesspit was attached to one popina, which could be recognised in part by the six embedded amphorae in its bar counter.

The bones of fish, birds, and mammals were found in this 13-foot-deep sewage dump, along with ceramics and other municipal artefacts that were used to date the pit to as early as 10 BCE. Small thrush skeletal remnants were the most prevalent among the bird remains, so Valenzuela focused his investigation on them.

Because bird remains are rarely found in good condition at archaeological sites, it is challenging for scholars to ascertain the role that birds had in the ancient Mallorcans' diet. But a clearer image emerged from the unique composition of the thrush remains. Although numerous skulls and breastbones were discovered, the fleshiest parts—the wings, legs, and upper chest—were almost completely missing.

Based on this discovery, Valenzuela deduced that thrushes were probably a mainstay of the regional diet and urban food chain. Historical accounts of Roman game hunters trapping vast numbers of songbirds and selling them to food merchants support his perspective even more.

The way the birds were prepared suggests that Mallorcans' intake of little birds was the precursor to fast food. According to Valenzuela, the breasts of the thrushes were flattened so that they could be quickly grilled or pan-fried in oil, which kept the meat soft. It is possible that thrushes were served on plates based on the broken pottery found in the cesspit. The small size of the birds and the environment, however, lend credence to the street food argument and suggest that they may have been served on sticks or skewers for ease of consumption.