Part 2/12:
In the sprawling culinary landscape of today’s fast-food culture, one might find an array of options—from hamburgers to pizza, and even something that attempts to imitate Mexican fare. Yet, one delicacy that rarely garners a spot on modern menus is escargot, or snail. Surprisingly, escargot was once a common dish among the bustling eating houses of ancient Rome. With the recent discovery of a well-preserved thermopolium (a type of fast-food establishment) in Pompeii, archaeologists have shed light on what snacking in ancient Rome might have entailed. This article delves into the ancient gastronomic scene, focusing on the preparation of cocleas—ancient Roman snails—and what it might have been like to dine at one of these fascinating eateries.