Fast food may be more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world, but apparently the history of the restaurant type far out dates America. A fast food eatery was recently unearthed in the ancient city of Pompeii, and the excavation is helping to reveal what dishes their citizens would typically eat.
The ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and is located near present-day Naples, is still mostly unexcavated. However, a complete hot-food-drink eatery, known as a thermopolium, was recently unearthed at the popular tourist attraction. According to the chief of Pompeii’s Archaeological Park, Massimo Osanna, 80 fast food type restaurants had previously been discovered in the ancient city, but this was the first thermopolium to be completely excavated.
Segments of the eatery were first discovered in 2019, and since then archeologist have continued making discoveries in the area, completing the fast food eatery. "Initial analyses confirm how the painted images represent, at least in part, the foods and beverages effectively sold inside,” said Pompeii staff anthropologist, Valeria Amoretti. Regardless of era, people clearly just want their food to come quickly.
Via USA Today