Feeding the Army of Roman Britain

An exploration of the diverse diet consumed by Roman soldiers stationed along the northern frontier of the empire, specifically around Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda fort. While mobile troops relied on basic military field rations like bacon, hardtack, and sour wine, soldiers in permanent forts enjoyed a significantly broader culinary selection. Historical artifacts and writing fragments reveal regular orders for fresh produce, eggs, poultry, local game, and imported luxuries such as olive oil and fish sauce. The episode features a detailed reconstruction of a historic pork and apple dish, showcasing how complex sweet, sour, and aromatic elements were combined in ancient Roman cooking.

#tastinghistory #ancientrome #HadriansWall #romanarmy #history #foodhistory #cooking #recipe #archaeology #Vindolanda