Houses, paintings, human remains, jewelry-the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. that destroyed Pompeii not only brought death and devastation, but also allowed the discovery and preservation of this ancient city and civilization. Preserving many details of the culture and customs of ancient Pompeians under the layer of solidified ash.
Over the years there have been so many discoveries made in Pompeii during excavations, many sensational others less so, but all important in reconstructing the lifestyle of ancient Pompeians. Such as the discovery in the ancient city of Pompeii, of numerous thermopoliums also called thermopolia.
To really understand the customs, culture, and curiosities that concerned the ancient people of Pompeii I recommend in your visit to the ancient city to be guided by an experienced, trained guide who knows how to introduce you to the history and every detail of this city.
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What are thermopoliums
Thermopolia, literally “places where hot food is sold,” were actual taverns in ancient Rome, where ready-made food and drink could be purchased.
In Pompeii, these eateries were spread throughout the city, giving a lively and animated atmosphere to the streets and hidden corners.
In fact, for ancient Pompeians, these places represented real meeting and socializing spots where they would gather after a busy day’s work.
As many as 89 thermopolia were found in Pompeii. But why were there so many of them?
As we said before, in addition to being a meeting and socializing point for all Pompeiians, the thermopoliums were also popular with the many foreign merchants. Who would come to Pompeii to market their products and would stop at these stores to have lunch or dinner during their stay.
But not only that, the inhabitants of Pompeii themselves assiduously frequented the thermopoliums to buy ready-made hot meals. Because in many of Pompeii’s houses it was dangerous to light a fire to prepare food, as they were not equipped with a good ventilation system. So it was more convenient and safer for Pompeiians to go directly to the thermopoliums to buy pre-prepared meals. From beyond the cost of the dishes was really negligible, so it was much more convenient to buy ready-made dishes than to cook them at home wasting time and not saving money.
What thermopoliums looked like
Thermopoliums were simple structures, equipped with a masonry counter decorated with marble slabs, in which large earthenware amphorae were encased that contained hot, ready-to-eat food.
In some thermopolia there were back rooms where one could sit and consume food.
The prepared dishes were illustrated in wall paintings found inside and outside the store. And the customer only had to point to the chosen dish to be served.
Here one could buy legumes, vegetables, eggs, sausages, fish soup, dried fruits. But one could also enjoy a good glass of wine.
They were thus true street foods of the modern era.
Most of these stores faced onto Via dell’abbondanza, the main street dedicated to commerce in ancient Pompeii. And it was here that one of the most important and best-preserved thermopolia of Pompeii was found, that of Vetutius Placidus.
Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus
Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus, in addition to having a large masonry counter richly decorated with marble pieces. It also had a magnificent wall painting in front of the workshop entrance.
The perfectly preserved and still visible painting depicts a lararium dedicated to Mercury ( god of commerce) and Dionysius (god of wine) and the patron gods of the house.
In the part of the backroom decorated with valuable frescoes, however, was an outdoor triclinium where Pompeians could feast outside.
During the excavations, in one of the large jars on the masonry counter on found a hoard of coins weighing about 3 kg worth 680 sesterces. This was probably the day’s takings when the dramatic eruption of Vesuvius occurred.
Il thermopolium della regio V
On Via dell’Abbondanza, precisely in Regio V, another workshop was found with a marvelous counter richly frescoed with images in colors so sharp and bright that they seemed three-dimensional.
The paintings depicted a Nereid riding a hippocampus in a marine setting and other animals probably prepared and sold on the premises, such as a rooster and two ducks.
It is precisely the findings made inside the amphorae that confirm that those paintings represented what the owners sold in their workshop. In fact, the remains of duck bones, pigs, fish and land snails were found in them. In short, everything that Pompeians could buy by going to this diner.
