Feasts and Faux Pass: Unveiling Roman Culinary Taboos & Restrictions

Feasts and Faux Pas: Unveiling Roman Culinary Taboos & Restrictions

Salvete, fellow citizens! Grab your togas and pull up a triclinium because today we're digging into the scrumptious - and sometimes scandalous - world of ancient Roman cuisine. But beware, some of these dining dos and don'ts might just make you drop your pomegranate!

Banquets or Bust?

If you've ever attended one of Senator Lucullus's lavish feasts, you'll know that we Romans know how to party. The food, the wine, the entertainment - we're all about living la dolce vita. But remember, my friends, too much of anything can be a bad thing!

The Senate, in its infinite wisdom, has passed laws limiting the extravagance of our banquets. They call it sumptuariae leges, but I call it a total buzzkill. No peacock tongues, no flamingo brains, no dormice rolled in honey and poppy seeds.

I mean, what's a Roman to do when he can't even enjoy a sweet little dormouse at his own dinner party?

Rationing Radishes

Okay, so the Senate doesn't want us eating peacock tongues by the dozen, but there are limits to their control. Seriously, did you hear about their latest ruling on radishes? They've put a cap on the number of radishes a person can eat in one day.

Apparently, too many radishes are 'bad for your health.' Well, I say, let me and my radishes be! I like to live on the edge. Plus, who knew radishes were even a thing to worry about?

Dining Diva Don'ts

Just a heads up, ladies of Rome, there's a new etiquette guide making the rounds at the Forum. It's called De Cultu Feminarum, and it's got some pretty specific guidelines on what you should - and shouldn't - be eating in public.

Apparently, it's not 'ladylike' to eat garlic or onions because they might give you bad breath. Well, newsflash, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was my appetite! So, go ahead, ladies: eat that garlic, and let your breath be as fierce as your spirit!

Wine? Not for the Women!

Lastly, here's a corker. Women are now officially banned from drinking wine. Yes, you heard that right, ladies. No wine for you! Apparently, we're not to be trusted with the stuff. The men say it makes us a bit too 'rebellious.'

Well, cheers to that, Rome! I'll be over here sipping my 'watered down grape juice.'

So, that's the lay of the land, folks. Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do - and that includes navigating the culinary conundrums of feasts and faux pas. Bon Appétit, or as we Romans say, "Bene gustare!"