ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

[Specialised readings]. The course material will present a study of the relationship between woman / man and food / beverages in ancient Rome and will examine their socio-economic and ethno-anthropologic significance according to the following general outline:
 
- food production and consumption in the ancient Greek and Roman world;
- supply, market and distribution of food products;
- diet and cuisine in the ancient Mediterranean world;
- passing of time in Roman urbe: otium and negotium;
- meals during the day: supper and suppers during the imperial age;
- subalterns and slaves: poor-quality diet in ancient Roman Italy;
- decline of the traditional diet of ancient Rome.
 
[Exercises]. During the exercises, which will take place in seminars, special emphasis will be given “good” and “bad” diet and agriculture and animal husbandry of ancient Rome: this will be analysed primarily using the Tabula ng1024 alimentaria of Veleia - the minimum subsistence cost for a minor, with a short independent project.