Pompeii excavation reveals fast food diet of ancient Romans

The remnants of a fast food eatery have been uncovered in Pompeii, giving archaeologists a glimpse into what some of the most popular takeaway dishes were for residents of the ancient Roman city.

According to Pompeii Archaeological Park’s longtime chief, Massimo Osanna, as many as 80 fast foods have been found at the site, suggesting that takeaway culture was a big part of daily life there.

This was the first time, however, that an actual eatery, known as a thermopolium, had been uncovered at the site, he told Rai state TV, according to the Associated Press.

Part of the ancient fast food counter had been dug up in 2019 during restoration efforts.