Ancient Roman Drinks

Cultural History Presentation

Mr. Kos

March 22, 2013

Location

• The Tiber River 18 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea

• Today the country of Italy in southern Europe

• At its peak, the Roman Empire extended across Europe, Africa, and into Asia

Time Period

• Last foreign King removed in 519 BCE

• Dominant Empire during the birth of Christianity

• 295 CE – Empire begins to split

• 476 CE – Western Roman Empire collapses

Drinks and Drinking Vessels

• Drinking vessels were made from clay, glass, silver, gold, or precious jewels

The Detroit Institute of Art

Roman Mystery Drink #1

• This was most common consumed heated, mixed with honey, spiced, and watered down

• MULSUM

• …like substitute without alcohol

• It was the most commonly consumed drink of the upper class of Rome

Roman Mystery Drink #2

• This would have been the more common drink of the Roman lower class (Plebeians)

• PASCA

• Similar to watered-down vinegar

Roman Mystery Drink #3

• This would never be consumed as it was only consumed by the uncivilized

• MILK

• Drinks from animals were thought of as “barbaric”