Slavery has been a part of human history for thousands of years. While the practice has been abolished in many parts of the world, it’s important to understand the realities of slavery throughout history. One aspect that often goes overlooked is the diet of slaves in ancient times.
What Did Slaves Eat in Ancient Times?
Slaves in ancient times were not provided with a balanced diet. They were given just enough food to keep them alive and working. The type of food they ate depended on their location, as well as the time period they lived in.
The Diet of Slaves in Ancient Rome
During the Roman Empire, slaves were given a basic diet consisting of grains, vegetables, and occasionally meat. The staple food for Roman slaves was porridge made from wheat or barley. Vegetables such as beans, lentils, and cabbage were also common.
Meat was a luxury for slaves and was only provided on special occasions such as religious festivals or when there was surplus production. Slaves would be given pork or beef on these occasions.
The Diet of Slaves in Ancient Greece
In ancient Greece, slaves were fed on a similar diet to their Roman counterparts. They were given bread made from barley or wheat along with vegetables such as onions and garlic. Meat was also rare for Greek slaves but they could occasionally enjoy goat meat.
The Diet of Slaves in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian slaves had a more varied diet compared to those in Greece and Rome. They had access to fish from the Nile river which made up a significant portion of their diet along with vegetables like beans, peas, lentils and onions.
Bread made from barley and emmer wheat was also commonly eaten by Egyptian slaves along with beer which served as an important source of calories for them.
Conclusion
The diets of ancient slaves were not nutritious, balanced or adequate for their survival. Slaves were given just enough food to keep them working, and their diets varied depending on the region and time period they lived in.
While it’s important to acknowledge the realities of ancient slavery, we must also remember that the practice still exists today in various forms throughout the world. It’s up to us to work towards ending this injustice and ensuring that everyone has access to a healthy and balanced diet.
- Roman slaves ate porridge made from wheat or barley
- Greek slaves had bread made from barley or wheat along with vegetables such as onions and garlic
- Egyptian slaves had access to fish from the Nile river which made up a significant portion of their diet along with vegetables like beans, peas, lentils and onions
- Meat was a luxury for slaves in all three regions
- Beer served as an important source of calories for Egyptian slaves
Remember: Slavery still exists today in various forms throughout the world. We must work towards ending this injustice and ensuring that everyone has access to a healthy and balanced diet.