The idea of fast food typically conjures images of modern quick-service restaurants like McDonald's, but recent discoveries have unveiled evidence of ancient Roman fast food establishments known as thermopolia. These venues, which thrived primarily during the time of Pompeii, served ready-made meals to local residents, catering to the needs of those who lacked the means to cook at home. With the growing fascination surrounding these establishments, historian Mae Sharifi has taken social media by storm, capturing over 2.4 million views on Instagram and about 1.8 million on TikTok as she showcases the remnants of these ancient eateries.
Thermopolia were small neighborhood shops where patrons could purchase various ready-to-eat items including soups, meats, bread, and spiced hot wine. Unlike modern restaurants, these establishments lacked individual dining tables. Instead, thermopolia functioned more as communal gathering spots where citizens could meet, socialize, and enjoy their meals. The cooking facilities at home were often exclusive to the wealthy, leaving much of the populous reliant on these convenient outlets to satisfy their dietary needs.
The ruins of Pompeii, buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., have yielded 89 preserved thermopolia. One of the most well-known is the thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus, which remains remarkably intact, showcasing stone counters where food was stored in large ceramic jars known as dolia. Archaeological evidence from these sites indicates the dietary habits of the Pompeians, with remains of bones and seeds found during excavations. This information offers insight not just to the food culture of the era, but also to the social fabric of Roman life.
What archaeologists have discovered from such sites provides evidence of the rich diet enjoyed by the Pompeians, which included lentils, fish, meats, and bread, elucidated by the finds at various thermopolia. Some outlets also sold spiced, heated wine called calida, popular among local workers and travelers alike. According to Sharifi, these thermopolia were central to the social structure of Roman communities; they provided not only food but also space for discussion and commerce.
The ancient Roman concept of fast food is likened to contemporary establishments by those like Sharifi, who notes the similarities and enduring appeal of quick-service meals. The existence of thermopolia predates modern fast food chains by centuries, showcasing how the demand for quick and tasty meals has always been present.
Mae's insights have re-ignited interest online, generating buzz with her playful comparison between these ancient eateries and today's fast-food giants. She quipped, “It seems we have some things in common with ancient Rome! Let me introduce you to the ancient version of McDonald's,” capturing the attention of social media users.
The term thermopolium originates from Greek, combining the words for hot and to sell, which perfectly encapsulates their function: selling hot food. Ownership of kitchen facilities was historically linked to the upper classes, making the thermopolia invaluable for the lower classes, who needed affordable meals.
Despite being different from today's quick-service venues, these ancient establishments offered some fast food options, including unique items such as isicia omentata, or ancient pork burgers. These specialized burgers catered to the affluent and featured ground pork mixed with pine nuts, garum (fermented fish sauce), and spices such as coriander and juniper—indicative of more complex tastes than the simple fare known today.
Modern fast-food outlets stand as monuments to convenience, but the parallels with ancient times remind us of humanity's long-standing desire for quick, flavorful meals. Thermopolia may have lacked the industrial efficiency of modern chains, but their importance cannot be overstated. They were key to the culinary and conversational traditions of the time, serving as community hubs for the people of Pompeii. The discovery of these sites not only enriches our knowledge of Roman life but also highlights how fundamental the bond over food and shared experiences is to human interactions across time.
Today, the stories of ancient thermopolia continue to excite and educate audiences, bringing attention to how food serves as both sustenance and facilitator of social ties. The current explorations and archaeological endeavors showcase humanity's undying connection to food culture, and the thermopolia of ancient Rome provide valuable insight as we reflect on the origins of eating establishments throughout history.