HOW THE ANCIENTS ATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 11 September 1937, Page 5

HOW THE ANCIENTS ATE

None of the very early Empires car be said to have understood the true art of eating. The Persians were so depraved that they had no regular feast: whatsoever, and Chaldeans, Assyrians and Phoenicians were in little bcttei plight. Like the Norsemen, hundreds oi years later, they lived hard and feasted highly; but they were a struggling race, and even a Babylonian banquet was lamentably deficient in dishes. Greece also lived a life which to us seems very simple. Beef, mutton, and goat's flesh were the ordinary meats, and were usually eaten roasted. Cheese, flour, and occasional fruits formed a part of the Homeric meals. Bread brought on in baskets, and salt are also mentioned. In the “Iliad” and “Odyssey” three names of meals occur—“ariston,” which means the early, and “orpon,” the late meal, while the word “deipnon” appears to do duty for cither without tiny reference to time. It appears that later the Greeks partook of three meals —deipnon (dinner), ariston (luncheon), and acratisma. This last was taken immediately after rising. and consisted of bread dipped in wine from which it drew its name. Frequently mentioned by Xenophon, the military historian, is the ariston which seems to have been taken at different times, as would follow with soldiers on active service. The Athenians I were a sociable people, and had a love for dining in company. Entertainments were often given whenever sacrifices were to be offered to the gods, and also upon the birthdays of members of the family and of illustrious persons, whether they were living or dead. When the young bloods of the town wished to dine together each would make his contribution towards the “spread." one man being deputed to make the preparations. Later, they commenced each to bring his own provender with him, making d a sort of picnic affair. Apart from this •here was nothing remarkable about •he Grecian meals. The most usual entertainment was where the host invited his guests in quite a modern manner. Dressed with more than ordinary care 1 and fresh from the bath, the guests would come to have their sandals re- I moved by slaves and their feet bathed. They then reclined on ecuchcs. I - "Golds Never Worry l\Ic!" Because j a soor, as he contracted a cold he I sunken Pulmonas. Their antiseptic vapours give quickest relief, also, from chronic and deep-seated coughs, ’flu, bronchitis, sore throats, huskiness Prevent colds developing by sucking Pulmonas Keep a fin at work and a tin at home. 11-.I 1 -. 1 6 and 2/6. All chemists and stores