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Cibi Antiquorum

Roman food recreated

Lovage: The (Once) Ubiquitous Herb

September 7, 2020October 30, 2022 Posted in IngredientsLeave a comment

Monstrous lovage is the single most frequent herb in the entire collection of books of Apicius, but is seldom seen in conventional cooking today. Here is a brief history of the herb that once dominated the culinary world. A photo of lovage leaves. Don’t they look like Italian parsley? In his magnum opus Naturalis historia… Continue reading Lovage: The (Once) Ubiquitous Herb

Epityrum (Olive Tapenade)

September 3, 2020October 30, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

The essence of the Mediterranean’s staple crop is captured in this recipe penned by Cato the Elder. Here, a brief history of the olive and its use in this refreshing dish. The epityrum I made on a plate, served with olive oil over a piece of cheese. If someone were to ask you to associate… Continue reading Epityrum (Olive Tapenade)

A Roman Ientaculum

A Roman Ientaculum

August 14, 2020November 16, 2022 Posted in Around the Roman KitchenLeave a comment

As I’ve tried out some more classical recipes, I decided it would be fun to reconstruct a Roman breakfast, or ientaculum. For inspiration, I had to turn to the ancients. From what I found, this meal was rather light, taken after waking up to break the night’s fast. The physician Galen evidently refers to fruits… Continue reading A Roman Ientaculum

Honeyed Dates

August 11, 2020July 13, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

Date palms are one of the oldest fruit trees continuously cultivated by humans. They are also incredibly popular, even among the Romans. Here, a recipe for stuffed, honeyed dates you can make in your own kitchen. A photo of a pile of the dates I prepared on a plate. Some plants cultivated today were only… Continue reading Honeyed Dates

Gallic Panic Bread

July 24, 2020October 30, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

For much of its early history, Rome’s greatest foreign enemy was Gaul, a nation of Celtic tribes in France. Gallic culture is largely overshadowed by accounts of battles and propaganda, but I’ve taken a closer look at what life was like as a Gaul with this flatbread recipe. A photo of the stacked pieces of… Continue reading Gallic Panic Bread

Chicken Elagabalus

July 16, 2020July 13, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

Following a period of civil unrest, a young Syrian priest was installed as the emperor. A religious zealot and licentious partier, he soon gained a reputation among the Roman populace. Here is a recipe he may have indulged in at one of his feasts. A picture of the dish of the chicken Elagabalus I prepared,… Continue reading Chicken Elagabalus

Rue: The Herb of Grace

July 10, 2020October 28, 2022 Posted in IngredientsLeave a comment

A popular condiment, an antidote to poisons, and a caterpillar repellent, rue truly seems to do it all. Here’s a description of a surprisingly dangerous herb that has since fallen out of popularity, but was very much in vogue in ancient Rome. A photo of a rue bush. Fully mature plants can grow up to… Continue reading Rue: The Herb of Grace

Alexandrian Gourd

July 1, 2020July 13, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

Egyptian culture was idolized by the Romans, so it seems obvious that a recipe would crop up in the largest ancient cookbook. However, the main ingredient’s identity is uncertain. Here is a recipe you can make, plus an account of my hunt for the lost gourd! A picture of the dish of Alexandrian gourd I… Continue reading Alexandrian Gourd

Libum (Cheesecake with Honey)

June 24, 2020October 30, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

Religion in Rome extended well beyond public temples – many homes had their own shrines dedicated to household gods. One of the foods offered at these altars was libum, a type of honey cake, which was also enjoyed by regular diners. Here is a recipe for you to prepare. A picture of the loaf of… Continue reading Libum (Cheesecake with Honey)

Shrimp Isicia

June 17, 2020July 13, 2022 Posted in FoodLeave a comment

The concept of fast food is nothing new — the Romans were preparing ready-made snacks and meals centuries ago. Here is a recipe for minced shrimp cakes you might’ve been able to find at one of these early fast food joints. A photo of the shrimp isicia I cooked, garnished with a sprig of sage.… Continue reading Shrimp Isicia

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Salvete omnes! My name is Parker, and I'm fascinated by ancient history, archaeology, and food. This site, Cibi Antiquorum, is my foray into cooking as the Romans would have. Please read, try, and enjoy!

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