Farms, Feces, and Food Safety in Roman Italy

Abstract

This article examines a crucial and underexplored topic at the intersection of Roman foodways, agriculture, and health by considering the situation on the Roman farm where the extensive use of manure as well as other practices posed serious dangers to food safety. Manure was central to Roman agriculture, and a growing body of evidence for widespread instances of foodborne illnesses can be linked to manuring. We bring together literary and archaeological evidence with contemporary food science and agricultural research to consider the ramifications for the health, food supply, and economy of the Roman people.