Historical story

Flatulence, Scraps and other "Refinements" in the Banquets of Ancient Rome

A rich banquet in Ancient Rome. Flatulence, belching, vomiting and urine, during meals, were the norm

The ancient Romans, as is well known, they were not masters of bon ton and the endless banquets that they used to keep are a clear testimony.

While it may seem impossible to believe, the dirt and bad habits that accompanied them, seen with today's eyes, literally make your skin crawl.

Judge for yourself.

The chilling habit of throwing up in the middle of the meal using pots stoically brought (and supported) by slaves (https://www.pilloledistoria.it/10462/storia-antica/banchetti-nellantica-roma-schiavi-per-raccogli-il-vomito), it was just one of the sciccherie that characterized the banquets of the time, where noisy flatulence, were allowed and punctually emitted but also very much hoped for belching high volume, synonymous with appreciation of the food offered.

And it doesn't stop there.

As if it hadn't already been quite painful to have to collect the vomit of the diners, the servants, wandering among the tricliniums, equipped with special and elegant glass containers , they also had to worry about offering them at the right time to those who needed to urinate.

All while the guests continued to gorge themselves until they burst.

Also throw food scraps on the floor it was the norm, but given the others, it wasn't the worst either.