Snack Bar Uncovered in Pompeii

It is not often that we are able to actually report news from the ancient world, however, today there is an exception. About a week ago, archaeologists uncovered a well preserved Roman snack bar beneath the ruins of Pompeii. 

In Pompeii, this snack bar would’ve been called a “thermopolium,” coming from the Greek words “thermos” (hot) and “poleo” (to sell). The small shop sold recipes containing ingredients such as pig, goat, fish, and snails, all of which were found as remains in the ruin’s pots. Other remains were discovered, such as a skeleton of a mouse and a skeleton of a man (either the shop’s owner or a hopeful thief during the eruption of Vesuvius). 

Pompeii is estimated to have had around 80 thermopolia on its streets.

An interesting element of these ancient snack bars was the ornate paintings within each individual shop. A fresco located on the front of the shop depicts a dog on a leash, serving as a “cave canem” - the shop owner’s warning that he has a watchdog. (Recovered paintings pictured below)

The theropolium was said to be located on one of the busiest, most elegant places in all of Pompeii, sitting on the corner of “Silver Wedding Street and Alley of Balconies.”

It is crazy to think that even thousands of years ago, people traveled through the ancient city of Pompeii stopping at snack shops along the way, much like New York City today. 

Bibliography

An Ancient Roman Snack Bar Was Unearthed in Pompeii - VICE

Archaeologists uncover ancient 'snack bar' in the ruins of Pompeii - Metro 

Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Snack Bar in Pompeii Excavation - ART News

Exceptionally well-preserved snack bar unearthed in Pompeii - The Guardian