At Expo 2015, a typical lunch of ancient Pompeii

From beets to garum with olives and capers to the omelet with cheese and salted fish, through pig stuffed boiled, hard-boiled eggs in sauce and chops Ostiense. Last but not least, Cassata Oplontis, dates and fried mostaccioli with mulled wine. All washed down with Coda di Volpe, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Taurasi and Lacryma Christi.

Friday, June 26, the Pavilion Zero of Expo Milan will host a tasty and authentic lunch typical of Pompeii of two thousand years ago, thanks to the event archaeo-gastronomic “Eating with the ancient Romans – mens sana in corpore sano”.

The tasting, which has already received more than 5,000 signatures, will be curated by Gian Marco Carli, young “archaeo-chef” of restaurant “Il Principe” of Pompeii and is part of the conference on “The Origins of the Mediterranean diet” with the participation of Rita Mulas, researcher, promoting nutrition and health projects.

A tantalizing step back in time to relive at least for a few hours every day “at the table” of the ancient Romans, whose life was regulated by the sun got up early, made a hearty breakfast (lentacolum) with bread, cheese, nuts and honey; noon were a light snack (Prandium) and after having traveled to the spas around three or four in the afternoon began to dine (Cena), stretched out on couches and, leaning his elbow on the pillows, they gave start to the Convivium that opened with abundant appetizers (Gustatio) which was followed by the main dishes (canteen before) and, in closing, the dessert (Mensa Secunda) usually made with fruit and sweets.

The slaves workers served at the banquet, the Cellarius (our sommelier) supervised by bringing the drink to drink, the Mulsum (wine with honey and spices), and then the wines that accompanied the First Mensa were filtered and seasoned with spices (Wine conditum) and diluted with water, and, last but not least, the sweet dessert wine (Wine passum). During a banquet guests they were offered entertainment of various kinds: music, dancing, performances by jugglers and acrobats, recitations of poems.