ABSTRACT
A new diet and nutrition system completely modified everyday life in central and northern Europe in a huge way. Furthermore, a new Mediterranean structure of food production, including the baker’s craft or trade was introduced into urban areas. In considering the way that societies deal with the raw materials of nutrition, some differences can be found between the indigenous agriculture in the north and the monocultural cultivation of wheat, vines and olives in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the selection of grain, the Romans influenced the method of cultivation, harvesting, storage and processing. Improved metal appliances or metal-reinforced wood utensils were introduced for work in the fields. The consumption of alcoholic beverages played an important role in social as well as private life, and in cult practice. Wine may be regarded as the preferred drink of the people during antiquity in each social group, with or without Mediterranean roots.
