Meat and Fish Consumption in Ptolemaic Alexandria - Archaeozoological Evidence from Necropolis and Settlements - Archive ouverte HAL Accéder directement au contenu
Proceedings/Recueil Des Communications Année : 2023

Meat and Fish Consumption in Ptolemaic Alexandria - Archaeozoological Evidence from Necropolis and Settlements

Résumé

The meat consumption of the inhabitants of the city of ancient Alexandria are not well known. Ancient texts, such as papyri, give some rare indications of the products consumed inthe Ptolemaic capital, and inform us especially about the first centuries of the Ptolemaic period. However, several excavations conducted in the city by the Centre d’études alexandrines (CEAlex)have yielded a huge quantity of faunal remains of different and more recent occupations. This article focuses on the results of two urban domestic dwellings at the end of the Ptolemaic period(2nd and 1st centuries BC) in the Brucheion district (the Theater Diana and the former British Consulate) and a tomb in the Necropolis of Gabbari. While the consumption of meat is common place in daily life, some animals are also sacrificed during Greek funerary activities. To understand the importance and the role of certain species for these practices, it is necessary to know the eating habits of the inhabitants. The analysis of all faunal remains (mammals, birds, fish, and molluscs) collected during archaeological excavations shows the importance of livestock for meals. The pig is the most important animal in the diet of inhabitants in both domestic and funerary contexts. Chickens are common in samples and provide both eggs and meat, whereas wild birds (and others wild animals) are scarce. Aquatic products such as fish,molluscs, and crustaceans were also collected and consumed by Alexandrians. These first results also offer new elements of discussion regarding meat preparation. The study of socially different occupations shows several variations in food practices. Before giving possible explanations for these tendencies, the archaeozoological approach gives another point of view on livestock farming strategies and the exploitation of the rich environment surrounding the city.
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Dates et versions

hal-04384471 , version 1 (10-01-2024)

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  • HAL Id : hal-04384471 , version 1

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Nicolas Morand, Sébastien Lepetz, Benoit Clavel. Meat and Fish Consumption in Ptolemaic Alexandria - Archaeozoological Evidence from Necropolis and Settlements. Continuities and Transitions: Approaches to Studying Food and Drink in Egypt and Sudan, 1 (184), pp.105-122, 2023, BiÉtud, 9782724709544. ⟨hal-04384471⟩

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