Vesuvius' victims had diverse, olive oil rich diets, study shows

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Isotope ratios show that men and women in the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum had different dietary habits.

The findings stem from an analysis of 17 people killed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. Like neighboring Pompeii, Herculaneum was a popular seaside destination prior to its destruction by the volcano.

People’s bones and teeth absorb different ratios of nitrogen and carbon depending on what they eat, so the team was able to pinpoint victims’ dietary habits by analyzing isotopes linked to specific foods.

The survey found that men ate over 50 percent more seafood protein than women and gained slightly more protein from grains. Women consumed more terrestrial meats, more eggs and dairy products, and more local fruits and vegetables.

The researchers note that men were often responsible for fishing and probably ate some of their own catch.

The findings corroborated historical records showing that ancient Romans consumed large amounts of olive oil. Oil made up at least 12 percent of the calories consumed by the people studied.

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/men-and-women-ate-different-diets-ancient-roman-town-180978532/

[Gagas lil monster 2,432]

Wow that's actually really interesting 

[Prostitute Barbie 4,083]

I’d love to try recreations of the food they ate, it sounds so natural and good 

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On the same note, last year a food stall was discovered in Pompeii (and I even made a thread at the time).

11 hours ago, Cersei Lannister said:

I’d love to try recreations of the food they ate, it sounds so natural and good 

Maybe they can use some of the food traces discovered in the stall for that (pork, fish, snails & beef).