ANCIENT ROMAN "FAST FOOD"

Thanks for pointing out that fantastic Pompeii find. It is dazzling.

Basket of fruit and a glum Elagabalus - one of my favorite Roman Provincials, despite the poor condition:


Elagabalus Æ 16
(218-222 A.D.)
Moesia Inferior, Marcianopolis
[AYT K] M AYP ANT[ΩNEINOC], laureate head right / MAPKIAN[OΠOΛITΩN] basket with fruits.
Varbanov I 1380 (R3).
(2.43 grams / 16 x 14 mm)

 

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and this is not for vegetarians:

 

Metapontion Ar Drachm 212-207 BC Obv Helmeted head of Athena right.. Rv Ear of BarleyRutter HN 1634
3.91 grms 17mm Photo by W. Hansen Okay if you don't want to eat it you can drink it.

 

Yours truly behind the bar at one of Ostia's thermopolia in 2010. I've been to Pompeii and Ostia several times each. I much prefer Ostia. 30 mins. outside of Rome; you can get there on a Rome mass transit pass. If you go in the offseason, you might have the town to yourself.

For the record, I regret touching the counter top. I would make a different choice now. But Ostia doesn't seem to get the tourist crowds and tourist damage like Pompeii does.

 

More images from the Ostian thermopolium. First, a look from above from one of the "insulae" or apartment buildings. Then, an interior shot.

 

As much as I enjoyed Herculaneum and Pompeii, I agree that Ostia is at the top of my list for Roman ruins. Here's one of our pictures (the menu) from the same establishment:



Apparently it was owned and operated by Macrinus Donaldus, and his sign boasted "Over MMMMMDDDDLLLXIII served!"

 

Another cultural boon from the Romans. The Colosseum. The Aeneid. The McRib.