Eating and Drinking in Roman Britain

What were the eating and drinking habits of the inhabitants of Britain during the Roman period? Drawing on evidence from a large number of archaeological excavations, this fascinating study shows how varied these habits were in different regions and amongst different communities and challenges the idea that there was any one single way of being Roman or native. Integrating a range of archaeological sources, including pottery, metalwork and environmental evidence such as animal bone and seeds, this book illuminates eating and drinking choices, providing invaluable insights into how those communities regarded their world. The book contains sections on the nature of the different types of evidence used and how this can be analysed. It will be a useful guide to all archaeologists and those who wish to learn about the strength and weaknesses of this material and how best to use it.

'With considerations of Romanisation and identity very much at the forefront of current thinking and research ion roman archaeology, it is a pleasure to welcome a book which makes such a substantive contribution to the subject … this is a very original book, essential reading for all working and researching in the filed of roman archaeology.' British Archaeology, '… elegant, readable …' Cambridge Archaeological Journal, ''Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.' [Cool] begins her fascinating study of eating and drinking in Roman Britain with this quotation from Brillat-Savarin. By the end of the book, the reader has been provided with a mass of detailed archaeological evidence, laid out with admirable clarity, from which to make an informed attempt to judge for themselves 'who the Roman Britons were'.' The Journal of Classics Teaching, 'Like the author, most of us are interested in food and drink, so this book should have wide appeal, and deservedly so. … The evidence available to her is peculiarly rich, extending beyond the confines of artefacts and environmental evidence to the treasure house of the Vindolanda tablets, and her masterly collation and interpretation of this evidence will be of interest to specialist and non-specialist alike.' Britannia

Hilary Cool is a professional archaeologist who, for the past ten years, has run her own business providing post excavation services to the professional sector.