What did the ancients eat… sports fans in the Colosseum

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Chips, popcorn, nachos and hot dogs are the standard snacks that are “nibbled” in the stadiums of the world by the fans in the stands – But what did the spectators of duels in the Roman Colosseum eat?

Chips, popcorn, nachos and hot dogs are the standard snacks that are “nibbled” in the stadiums of the world by the sports fans in the stands – snacks that are tasty, but rich in calories – that are not so consistent with the sportsmanship inside the stadium.

But what did the spectators of duels in the Roman Colosseum eat in the stands?

According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, recent excavations at the Colosseum have brought to light important historical findings that essentially reveal the snacks that Roman spectators nibbled on the stands of the legendary stadium.

The archaeological excavations at the historical site brought to light traces of walnut shells, olive pits and fruit about 2000 years old. In short, extremely healthy foods that are still at the top of the food chain based on their nutritional value.

One possible interpretation of this Roman custom is, according to archaeologists, that the spectators consciously chose light food for the stands so that they could better endure the fierce spectacles they saw unfold in the arena – from wild duels between men and animals to the deaths of gladiators in front of their eyes.

It is worth noting that the Colosseum began to be built in 70 AD by the Roman emperor Flavius ​​Vespasian, was completed after about ten years by Titus and took its final form under Diocletian. For its time it was of enormous dimensions, with a capacity of about 65,000 spectators.

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