Archaeologists uncovered an ancient fast food counter in the ruins of Pompeii, and it shows that tastes haven't changed very much in the last 2,000 years.
The site, which was first discovered in 2019, was buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavation revealed a hot food and drink counter, the equivalent of street food or fast food today, called a thermopolium, literally "places where hot drinks are sold." At least 80 of these fast food shops have been found in Pompeii so far, but this site was the first to be excavated intact.
Here's how ancient Romans enjoyed fast food.
The counter has frescoes that remained intact, showing some animals that were served, including chicken and ducks, like a modern menu with pictures today.
Source: Reuters
The rooster was painted in "Pompeiian red," typical of art at the time.
Source: Associated Press
Another fresco showed a leashed dog, which might have served as a reminder to customers to keep pets on leashes.
Source: Associated Press
The shop owner would display hot food in terra cotta jars into the holes along the countertop.
Source: Reuters
Archaeologists compared the setup to soup containers at salad bars today,
Source: Associated Press
Fast food restaurants like this one "provided the urban class an opportunity to have a quick hot meal" historian James Ermatinger wrote. Most of the menu was designed to be eaten on the go, a convenience necessary for many poor Romans who lacked kitchens.
Source: Business Insider
"Initial analyses confirm how the painted images represent, at least in part, the foods and beverages effectively sold inside," staff anthropologist Valeria Amoretti told the AP.
Source: Associated Press
Remains of ducks, goats, pig, fish, and snails were all found, indicating the type of food available.
Source: Associated Press
"We know what they were eating that day," Pompeii Archaeological Park chief Massimo Osanna told Rai TV.
Source: Associated Press
The dishes, including wine with ground fava beans, indicate what common people ate, as the eateries were mostly looked down upon by Roman elites.
Source: Business Insider
Archaeologists found human remains at the site, indicating that people were there when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Other remains may have been moved or placed by earlier excavators.
Source: Associated Press
Notably, archaeologists also found the entire skeleton of a small dog, a rarity for the time.
