A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Friday, June 07, 2019

Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction: Ancient Fermented Fish Sauce and Pompeii

from Kristina Killgrove, Forbes.com
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Vat Of Ancient Fish Sauce May Confirm Date That Pompeii Was Destroyed

The traditional date on which Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, destroying Pompeii and other sites in the Bay of Naples, is August 24 based on historical records. This date has often been questioned, however, on the basis of the heavy clothing worn, the presence of some late autumn fruits and wine, and a charcoal inscription recovered last year. A close analysis of fish skeletons recovered from Pompeii is the latest evidence in this longstanding debate.

Ancient Romans had a complicated relationship with seafood. While many people undoubtedly consumed it, particularly those who lived close to the coast, this resource was more seasonal and less dependable than terrestrial meat such as pork. Much more popular was the fermented fish sauce called garum, which may have originally been created to preserve fish during times of plenty. Similar to East Asian fish sauce consumed today, garum was made from small fish macerated over the span of several months.

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