Cena facts for kids

In Ancient Rome, the cena was the most important meal of the day. It was much more than just eating food; it was a big social event! People would gather after their work was done to relax, talk, and enjoy delicious food together. Often, Romans would visit the public baths before their cena to get clean and ready for the evening.

What Was Cena?

The cena was the main meal for ancient Romans. It was a time for families and friends to gather. This meal was a central part of their daily life. It was a chance to socialize and enjoy each other's company.

When Did Romans Eat Cena?

At first, the cena was eaten around midday. But over time, this changed. Later, Romans started eating their cena in the evenings. This happened after they finished all their work for the day. A scholar named Sextus Pompeius Festus wrote about this change. He explained that a lighter meal called prandium took the place of the midday meal.

Where Did Romans Eat?

Romans had a special way of eating their cena. They didn't sit on chairs like we do today. Instead, they reclined on couches!

The Triclinium: A Special Dining Room

The dining room for cena was called a triclinium. Imagine three long couches. These couches were arranged like three sides of a square. In the middle of these couches was a small table. This table held all the yummy food. Guests would lie down on the couches while they ate.

What Was on the Menu?

A traditional cena had three main parts. Each part offered different kinds of food.

Starters: The Gustatio

The first part was called the gustatio. This was like an appetizer course. It often included light foods. Common items were eggs, olives, and even wine mixed with honey. These foods were meant to get your appetite ready for the main meal.

The Main Course

After the starters came the main course. This was usually the biggest part of the meal. It often featured a meat dish. A popular choice was roasted pig. Romans also ate other meats, vegetables, and grains.

Sweet Treats: Desserts

The third and final course was for desserts. This included sweet foods to finish the meal. Fruits and nuts were common choices. Sometimes, they had pastries or honey cakes. Only very rich Romans could afford super rare foods. These might include exotic meats like giraffe, ostrich, lion, or peacock.

Cena: More Than Just a Meal

The cena was more than just eating food. It was a very important social event. It was a time for Romans to relax and connect. They would share news, tell stories, and enjoy each other's company. It was a key part of ancient Roman culture.