The audience, in the Colosseum, used to snack on grapes, figs, and olives: a study

Did you know that people who come all the way to the famous amphitheater in Rome, used to snack on grapes, figs and melons? I can’t believe it, right? And we can’t. Well, that’s right. According to a year-long study of the drainage system, it was found that spectators were enjoying fruits, olives, and nuts. The team of archaeologists found traces of olives and nuts along with figs, melons and grape seeds during the study that began in January, the news agency reported. Reuters.

Archaeologists have been tasked with cleaning up 70 meters (approximately) of drains and sewers beneath the 2,000-year-old stone theatre.

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Dr Jo Ball, of the University of Liverpool, Archeology, shared a photo of the findings on Twitter earlier this year. Here, we can see the seeds preserved in a glass box. The note accompanying it reads: “A selection of fruit seeds, stones, and pits recovered from the drainage system of the Colosseum in #Rome, leftover snacks eaten by #Roman spectators who watched matches in the arena until 1900 years ago. #Roman ruins.”

A selection of fruit seeds, stones and pits recovered from the Colosseum’s drainage system # RomeLeftover snacks you ate #Roman Spectators have been watching matches in the arena for as long as 1,900 years # Romania relicspic.twitter.com/qrSSRQUIYB– Dr. Joe Ball (@DrJEBall) July 2, 2022

At the time, please I was curious to know more about seeds. Someone asked, “Any identification on what are these specific fruits/nuts? Curious as to where the large pits come from.”

To that, one user said, “Nuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and maybe pine nuts.”

Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and possibly pine nuts. – Melissa Smith (@lockdownRose) July 3, 2022

Some wanted to know if the seeds could bear fruit.

Are any of them still viable for germination? – Sal Zedd, Ph.D. (izaid) July 3, 2022

Any plans to grow peaches? I wonder how sweet they must be, and they couldn’t be more organic than these. – Claudia or (claudiayosorio) July 3, 2022

The report added that archaeologists also found traces of the bones of bears and large cats. It is believed that bears and large cars were used for combat or as prey in hunting games. In addition, 50 bronze coins from the late Roman period and silver coins from 170-171 AD were found.

Speaking about the findings, Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, said it “deepened our understanding of the experience and habits of those who came to this place during the long days devoted to performances.”