Dietary habits in homer

Abstract

Although differing by region, dietary habits are closely interconnected with society, since they change very slowly. In fact, they pass on from one generation to the next almost unchanged. At the same time, diet plays an important role in the life of people, since they affect numerous vocational and social activities. Like a mirror, they reflect the economic, social, moral and intellectual status of the various social classes; as well as people’s religious beliefs. Food is related to daily routine and entertainment, as can be inferred from the significance of symposia1 in the ancient world. The Greek gastronomical identity is rooted far deep in time, dating back to prehistoric ages, as excavations have shown. Fire signaled the beginning of cooking. Since then, lots of people, devoted their time and inventiveness, to fascinate the spirit, taste, smell and sight of those who followed. Our ancestors have created gastronomic records early in time, a real treasure for the ensuing generations.