The lower class Romans
(plebeians) might have a breakfast
of bread, dry or dipped in wine, and water. Sometimes olives, cheese, or
raisins were sprinkled on the bread. In 1c CE, it became the custom to distribute
bread daily to the unemployed. Workmen, on their way to work, grabbed some
bread, and ate it on the way.
The upper class Romans (patricians)
enjoyed fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, bread,
and used honey to sweeten food. (Sugar was unknown). They had slaves to cook
and clean. Slaves cut their food for them, as they didn't use forks or knives,
but ate with their fingers. A wet towel was handy (or brought by slaves)
to tidy up after a meal. Early in the morning, schoolboys, on the run, often
stopped at a bakery for a quick meal, or to buy a pancake to eat on their
way to school.
