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Ancient Rome's hungry hordes ate at this fast-food restaurant before it was buried by volcanic ash.
Since 1748, archeologists have unearthed evidence that the life in the Roman city of Pompeii was pretty good—until its inhabitants were buried alive in white-hot volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ancient city on the Bay of Naples boasted public thermal baths, palatial villas, and brothels sporting notoriously explicit frescoes. In 2019, archeologists discovered the remains of a thermopolium, literally translated as a “hot drinks counter,” as well as evidence that even the poorer members of Pompeii society ate rather well. Although much of Regio V, a dig site in the northern area of the Pompeii archeological park, is still closed to the public, as of August 12th 2021 visitors are able to see the thermopolium for themselves. This particular find is impressively well-preserved and offers unparalleled clues into the daily diets of ancient Romans.
