A new archaeological study reshapes our view of ancient Roman dining, showing that fast food culture extended beyond bread and olives. Excavations in Spain reveal that ordinary Romans, not just the elite, frequently enjoyed fried songbirds—especially thrushes—at bustling roadside eateries. The findings come from a study published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.
From a Pollentia cesspit in Mallorca, archaeologists analyzed animal bones dating from the first century BC to the first century AD. Among mammals, fish, and reptiles, a large number of small thrush bones stood out, discarded in what was once a commercial district. These scraps offer a rare, intimate glimpse into the eating habits of Roman townsfolk and challenge the notion that such delicacies were reserved for the wealthy.
Why does this matter for Thai readers and a global audience? Fast food often feels like a modern phenomenon tied to urbanization. Yet Pollentia’s evidence shows that on-the-go meals—served in popinae and tabernae, the ancestors of today’s street food stalls—were integral to urban Roman life. The scene resonates with Thailand’s vibrant street food culture, where vendors provide quick, affordable bites to people from all walks of life. In Rome, popinae offered not only nutrition but social spaces, much like markets and food courts do today.
The team leading the excavation found thrush bones in what was once an underground drainage link between shops and a forum. Of 165 songbird bones identified, thrushes formed the majority. Ancient sources, including Pliny the Elder, described thrushes as delicacies favored by the upper classes, fattened on figs and roasted with exotic sauces. Yet the context—discarded in everyday refuse within a commercial quarter—suggests they were a common choice for townsfolk and travelers as well.
Researchers note that preparation methods, such as removing the sternum before pan-frying, were optimized for speed and efficiency. This technique allowed small birds to cook quickly while remaining moist, ideal for fast service in busy urban settings. The study hints at a democratization of certain foods and an early adoption of standardized cooking approaches—an ancient precursor to fast-food models. Seasonal thrush migrations could have enabled vendors to offer varied, affordable options year-round, stabilizing the city’s food economy.
These findings illuminate social dynamics in Roman cities. Food, often a class marker, appears more accessible in certain places and times than previously believed. The evidence of commercial processing and mass sale of songbirds invites reflection on sustainability, market demand, and cultural preferences—issues still relevant to today’s global food industries, including Asia.
Rome’s eating practices offer a mirror to modern street food cultures, including Thailand’s. Bangkok’s roadside vendors, like ancient popinae, serve quick meals to a broad audience. The new research invites reconsideration of what “fast food” means—both then and now.
Looking ahead, archaeologists plan to examine additional trash pits and market stalls in other Roman towns. Further work could reveal wider consumption of so-called luxury foods by ordinary people and help clarify how environmental factors, trade networks, and culinary innovations shaped Roman foodways and urban eating habits.
This story provides a historical parallel and a reminder: Thai street food, a source of national pride and UNESCO recognition, sits within a long global tradition of shared, quick meals. Each bite of local favorites, from grilled skewers to fried treats, connects today’s diners to centuries of urban life and culinary creativity.
For readers interested in the full study, researchers urge review of the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. Reporting from major outlets has summarized the excavation’s significance.