In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists working on the island of Mallorca have unearthed remnants of what appears to be ancient fast food from the Roman era. Published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, this study reveals that songbirds were a staple street food item over 2,000 years ago. The findings include numerous bird bones discovered among layers of refuse in the ancient city of Pollentia, which thrived as a bustling port town during the early centuries of the Common Era.
Within the ruins of Pollentia, researchers identified a specific shop known as a "popina," akin to today's casual eateries where people gathered for quick bites and drinks. Among the refuse deposits, a significant trash pit measuring 13 feet deep contained an array of animal bones alongside ceramic fragments, all dating back to between 10 B.C. and 30 A.D. Upon closer examination, Alejandro Valenzuela, a scholar at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, found that thrush bones dominated the collection. Notably, these remains consisted primarily of skulls and breastbones rather than limbs, suggesting that the birds were extensively consumed by the local population.
Valenzuela speculates that the preparation method involved removing the sternum bones to flatten the breasts, enabling rapid cooking while preserving texture. Additionally, he considers it plausible that these small birds were served either on plates or skewered for convenience. This culinary practice highlights how integral street food was to the daily life of Roman urban dwellers.
The unearthing of these ancient dietary habits provides valuable insight into the everyday lives of Roman citizens. By analyzing the refuse left behind, historians can better understand not only what constituted fast food in those times but also its role within the broader social and economic framework of Roman society. Such discoveries enrich our comprehension of historical cultures, revealing details about their eating practices and societal norms through tangible evidence buried beneath layers of time.