Museum kit: Nutrition in Ancient Greece

The aim of the Museum Kit is to provide information on the eating habits of the ancient Greeks’, the utensils used daily and during festivities, the commodities consumed (cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, honey, nuts, fish, meat), the benefits of healthy nutrition and balanced breakfast, eating as part of our ancestors’ social life (banquets, celebrations, religious ceremonies) as well as information on various recipes and favorite foods.

Through texts, images, casts of ancient utensils, educational games and various activities, students familiarize themselves with the eating habits of Ancient Greeks and the rules for maintaining a balanced diet.

Ancient Greek diet was rather strict and relied on the so-called Mediterranean triad: wheat, oil and wine. Archaeological sources related to food and drinking habits are multiple: vases, pots and utensils for food preparation, serving and storage, such as vases, cups, plates, jars, pressure cookers, strainers, ladles, knives, to name a few. Illustrations of nutrition-related topics, favorite foods, fruits, fish, hunting, as well as butchers, greengrocers, bakers, provide valuable information. Through excavations, food particles come to light, usually charred or left uneaten in vases.