Shops/Inns Flashcards
What was the roman name for an inn?
Thermopolia
What is the name of the most famous and best preserved inn?
Thermopolium of Asellina, located on the main shopping street of Pompeii, had rooms for rent above
What were the main feature of the T of A?
It had an open front onto the street where people could quickly and easily get food and drink, it had some chairs in the back for those who wished to eat in
What could be found on the walls?
Painted shrine on the back wall, on the left is Mercury, god of traders, and on the right is Bacchus, god of wine.
Graffiti was also found on the outside wall advertising the names of three maids who sold their favours: Aegle, Maria, Zmyrina
What would thermopolia sell?
Snacks: Bread, walnuts, olives, dates, figs, shellfish, almonds
Hot food: meat and fish stew
Why were thermopolia popular?
Pompeii thrived on trade and was visited by many sailors and merchants, this created demand for places to sleep and food to grab from the bustling streets
How was the food handled?
Stored in clay jars, dolia, placed in gaps in the counter decorated with marble to keep in the cool
dishes and jugs found on counter tops (fox and cock)
