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Today is National Fast Food Day. While many of us consider fast food to be a modern invention, this concept can actually be traced back to Ancient Rome. They were called Thermopolia, and about 150 of them have been found in the ruins of Pompeii.
Since most Romans couldn't afford to have a kitchen of their own, they often got their food from these businesses bc it was quick and inexpensive. The food would be stored in the jars built into the counter called dolia, so that customers could quickly grab, pay for it, and go.
The upper class Romans often mocked poorer Roman citizens for eating at these places. In fact, these places had such a bad reputation amongst the wealthy Romans that Emperor Claudius tried to shut them down. But he failed, and they continued to thrive.
Most Thermopolium in Rome, or more specifically Pompeii, served foods like lentils, cheese, meats, fish, nuts, and spiced wine. They also sold a fish sauce called garum (similar to ketchup).
