Joan P. Alcok - Food in the Ancient World (Food through History)

312 pages

Published in December, 2005

Summary: The ways of life of four great ancient civilizations— Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Celtic—are illuminated here through their foodways. As these cultures moved toward settled agriculture, a time of experimentation and learning began. Cities emerged, and with them consumer societies that needed to be supplied. Food Culture in the Ancient World draws on writings of classical authors such as Petronius, Galen, and Cato, as well as on archeological findings, to present intimate insight into ancient peoples. This volume will be indispensable as it complements classical history, cultural, and literature studies at the high school and college levels and will also inform the general reader.

Editorial Review: "In her well-prepared contribution to the growing study of food in historical context, the UK author of Food in Roman Britain (2004) treats food cultivation and consumption by the ancient Roman, Egyptian, Greek, and Celt civilizations. Based on evidence including skeletal remains (some mummies show signs of obesity), Alcock reviews their agricultural practices, food preparation, eating and drinking habits and establishments, and concepts of diet and health. The book includes a timeline, list of the classical authors cited, maps, and food-related illustrations."

Customer Review: College-level collections with strong holdings in either ancient history or culinary history will want to take a close look at Food In The Ancient World, part of Greenwood's 'Food Through History' series: it follows culinary explorations through four great ancient civilizations - Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Celtic - and uses the writings of classical ancient authors along with archaeological findings to follow the lives of ancient civilizations through agricultural and culinary habits. Discussions of available ingredients, different foods by civilization, food preparation and serving habits, and more reveals social, religious and culinary trends alike.

     I chose this book because I want to learn about ancient food production, and how it relates to modern times. Hopefully, this book will help me draw a direct correlation from ancient local food to that in today's world and highlight how food has changed over the years.