| Modern society is quick to lay claim to inventing things | | | | These changes included separate areas in which |
| that were actually introduced to society, many | | | | people of different classes would feast. The people no |
| generations ago. We may take credit for wireless | | | | longer sat on benches during meals, but instead sat on |
| communication; however, from the beginning of time, | | | | couches. |
| this type of communication has been in existence. | | | | The lowest class in society was that of the plebeians. |
| Tribes would communicate with other tribes by beating | | | | They survived almost entirely on porridge that was |
| a code out on drums. Others used smoke signals. This | | | | made from vegetables. When they were able to |
| is also true in terms of meals. It is only recently that the | | | | afford it, they would enjoy eating olives, fish, meat, |
| term brunch, referring to the time period between lunch | | | | bread and wine. The government helped the plebeians |
| and breakfast, came into fashion. This popular pastime | | | | under a program that was similar to a welfare system, |
| was actually begun in Rome. The only difference is, is | | | | called the "annona". In the early 2C AD, a separate but |
| that they called it dinner. | | | | similar system was established for children, called the |
| Dinner for the ancient Romans was simple as | | | | "alimenta". This involved giving little tokens to each child, |
| compared to the late morning meal. It consisted | | | | called "tessarae". The children had special containers in |
| primarily of vegetables. This meal was prepared by | | | | which to carry wheat and flour, which were filled in |
| the wife or mother of the family, or by servants, as | | | | exchange for their tokens. Meat was given to the |
| directed by the wife, if the family was affluent. The | | | | children on special occasions. |
| family would gather and dine in a room called the | | | | In contrast to the plebians, the upper class patricians of |
| atrium and sit on stools at tables, once dinner was | | | | ancient Rome dined on much more extravagant |
| served. When it came to utensils, forks and knives | | | | cuisine. Separate parties were held for men, while |
| were viewed as being very cryptic, and so the ancient | | | | others were held for the women and children. These |
| Romans preferred to eat with spoons. They would | | | | parties went on for many hours; they were spent |
| also eat things like meat, cut into small, thin slices, with | | | | socializing and drinking plenty of wine. The party also |
| their hands. However, by the time there were councils | | | | included music. Some of the guests played instruments, |
| in the senate, in the last two centuries of the Republic, | | | | while the others danced. Each party was a celebration, |
| the dining style had changed to some extent. During | | | | filled with entertainment. |
| the time of industrialization, further changes took place. | | | | |