How Ancient Rome Fried Chicken Before Anyone Else

The ancient Roman Empire, which ruled from 27 B.C. to A.D. 476 (per Britannica), was responsible for many firsts. It created the best roads the world had seen at the time, and it perfected aqueducts, sewage systems, and architecture. The Empire also had a solid grasp on food. According to English Heritage, the Romans introduced many foods upon their arrival to Britain. They brought more than 50 types of plants including plum, cherry, olive, and apples as well as nuts and seeds such as walnut and sesame. They also integrated spices such as coriander and dill into British culture, which the Britons then started growing on their own.

Per World History Encyclopedia, an ancient Roman diet consisted of cereal, wine, olive oil, and vegetables as well as meat, cheese, eggs, and fruit, though they were a bit more expensive. Much of their protein was made up of rabbit, deer, geese, ducks, and other animals that were widely accessible. Along with changes in food consumption, Romans also discovered new ways to preserve and cook. For example, they learned how to store ingredients in honey for longevity, and they weren't so shabby at frying chicken.