Sewers, Archaeobotany, and Diet at Pompeii and Herculaneum

A cosmopolitan diet emerged in Pompeii and Herculaneum during the last centuries BC, replacing earlier local food traditions. This insight comes from archaeobotanical analysis of sewer deposits beneath Cardo V at Herculaneum, revealing diverse plant remains that reflect a varied and internationally influenced diet among residents of small apartments above. Comparative evidence from Pompeii supports this trend, illustrating how regional food economies evolved over time. The study highlights the significance of urban sewers as repositories for understanding dietary shifts in ancient societies.

Rowan, E. (2016). Sewers, Archaeobotany, and Diet at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Economy of Pompeii, 111–134. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198786573.003.0005