Veganism in Ancient Rome

Veganism in Ancient Rome was rooted in harmony with nature, distancing itself from excesses and the brutality associated with Roman society. In this way, they sought virtue and inner peace through a diet that reflected a more harmonious view of the world.

Author: Amanda Bautista Fernández

The Ancient Romans are renowned for their great achievements in architecture, law, and territorial expansion, but also for their cruel spectacles where gladiators fought to the death in the Colosseum for public entertainment. However, amidst the blood and violence, lesser-known aspects of Roman society emerge, as veganism also had its place in this era. In this article, we will explore the relationship between veganism and Ancient Rome, highlighting important historical figures who embraced this philosophy and analyzing how gladiators, through archaeological findings, were surprisingly linked to a plant-based diet.

Historical Context and Diet in Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome flourished from 753 BC to 476 AD, encompassing a vast territorial expanse that stretched from Great Britain to Egypt. Roman society was structured around a well-defined hierarchy, with emperors, senators, citizens, slaves, and a powerful aristocratic elite.

The Roman diet was heavily influenced by the economy and geography of the empire. Agriculture formed the foundation of the economy, and wheat was the main crop. Romans also cultivated barley, rye, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, which were fundamental parts of the daily diet of the general population.

However, meat held a prominent place on the table of the Roman elite. Lavish banquets were common among the wealthy, where all types of food were served, including meat from animals sacrificed in religious ceremonies and feasts. Meat, especially from pigs, lambs, and poultry, symbolized status and power.

Relevant Figures and Movements of Veganism in Ancient Rome

Veganism in Ancient Rome found resonance in Stoic philosophy, where concern for the welfare of animals and questioning their cruel treatment was expressed. This philosophical current promoted virtue, rationality, and equality between humans and animals, which was reflected in the decision of some Stoics to abstain from consuming meat. This ethic of respect for animal life and the pursuit of a more conscious and virtuous life has left a mark on modern veganism, where compassion for animals remains a central motivation for adopting a vegan diet.

Prominent within Roman Stoicism was Seneca (4 BC – 65 AD), one of the leading philosophers of the era, who expressed concern for the welfare of animals and questioned their cruel treatment. In his letters to Lucilius, he reflected on the importance of a diet that did not involve the sacrifice of living beings. Although he did not consider himself a strict vegan, his writings reflected an ethical line of thought towards animals and the pursuit of a more conscious and virtuous life.

On the other hand, we have Neoplatonism, an essentially philosophical but also religious movement that, between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, with the figure of Pythagoras as its central axis, sought to explain the world and reality by blending positions from different philosophical (Platonism, Stoicism, etc.) and religious (especially Eastern cults) currents.

Within this movement, we find Plutarch (46 – 120 AD), a philosopher, historian, and biographer, who addressed the topic of veganism in his work “De Esu Carnium” (On Eating Meat). In this work, he argued against the consumption of meat, asserting that animals also experienced pleasure and pain, and therefore, should be treated with respect and compassion. Plutarch highlighted the inconsistency of those who condemned the killing of human beings while consuming meat from animals. The significance of his work lies not only in his exposition on meat consumption but also in that Plutarch is the first to detach the necessity of abstaining from eating meat from ideas such as the transmigration of the soul and issues of purity, introducing ethical arguments that, although outlined by earlier authors, are now developed more complexly. This, along with the works dedicated to discussing different issues about animals, makes Plutarch one of the main authors who advocated veganism in antiquity.

Another of the most relevant movements of veganism in Ancient Rome was Neoplatonism. This term is used to group various authors and currents of thought developed mainly in the 3rd century AD, which shared an interest in revitalizing Platonic ideas, as well as promoting Pythagoras and introducing mystical and Eastern religious ideas in contrast to Christianity.

Within this school, we find Porphyry of Tyre, who, along with Plutarch, is the most important figure related to veganism and the moral consideration of animals in antiquity. “On Abstinence” is one of his most extensive works, based on the rejection of meat consumption, either due to moral consideration of animals, what meat (in its negative conception) represents for the human soul, or even the harm to health (as well as the benefits of a plant-based diet). Likewise, this author attempts to respond to those who support its consumption or deny the intelligence of animals. As a novelty, he develops arguments such as the economic cost of producing meat (compared to vegetables) or denies the legitimacy of man to use other beings for his benefit.

These historical figures challenged the norm of Roman society and embraced veganism as a dietary philosophy that reflected their sensitivity towards animals and the pursuit of a more ethical and conscious life. Their writings and works have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations to consider the importance of compassion and respect for animals in our dietary choices and in the pursuit of more harmonious coexistence with nature. Their contributions to the history of vegetarianism in Ancient Rome have left an enduring mark that transcends the boundaries of time, reminding us of the importance of cultivating an ethical and responsible consciousness toward all living beings.

Gladiators and Their Adoption of Veganism

In ancient Roman times, gladiators were the most prized and esteemed slaves in society. Mostly consisting of robust men, carefully selected for their physical vitality and combat skills in the arena, whether against other men, lions, or other fierce adversaries. But… what did these strong men eat?

Contemporary Roman texts mention that gladiators consumed a specific diet called “gladiatoriam saginam,” a strict diet mostly composed of grains of various types, such as barley, beans, or wheat, among others. Additionally, interestingly, their consumption of barley led to the derogatory nickname “hordearii” (barley eaters).

However, material evidence confirming what ancient texts commented on was lacking. To verify the extent of this, researchers from the Universities of Bern and Vienna, in Switzerland and Austria respectively, thoroughly studied the skeletal remains found in a gladiator cemetery in what was formerly the city of Ephesus, now Turkish territory, discovered in 1993. From this cemetery, which has been dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, 22 gladiator skeletons were selected and compared with 31 skeletons of other ancient inhabitants of Ephesus from the same period to determine possible dietary differences between the two groups.

By analyzing carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopes, inorganic bone elements, such as strontium or calcium, were identified. All individuals analyzed showed high consumption of plant-based foods like wheat and barley as their basic sustenance. The proportions of gladiators for this type of food were significantly higher than those of their contemporary Roman counterparts.

This could suggest that gladiators also had an extra supplement described in some ancient texts: the consumption of a beverage made from ashes of various plants that would provide them with a rich extra supply of minerals. This drink likely contributed to the men’s faster recovery, particularly by accelerating the healing process of the numerous wounds after each combat.

However, this dietary choice was not only unusual for gladiators but also for Roman society in general, which considered meat a symbol of power and status. Some historians argue that these vegan gladiators advocated respect for animal life and non-violence, seeking a more virtuous and ethical life, despite the violent environment they were in.

Ethical Ideals

Despite the widespread view of Ancient Rome as a society obsessed with meat and gruesome spectacles, veganism also found its place among some important individuals and, surprisingly, among gladiators. Philosophers such as Seneca, Plutarch, or Porphyry expressed concerns about the treatment of animals, while gladiators, according to archaeological findings, adopted plant-based diets. These examples highlight the presence of deeper ethical and philosophical ideals that challenged Roman norms and focused on empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of a more harmonious life with nature.

Through their choices, these historical figures left a legacy of respect for living beings that resonates to this day, inspiring more people to consider veganism as a conscious and ethical option in the pursuit of a more compassionate and sustainable coexistence with the natural world.

The history of these characters teaches us that even in a society dominated by meat consumption, consciousness and respect for animals can find their place in the hearts of some, leaving a lasting mark that transcends the boundaries of time. To learn more about veganism, download the Vkind app and visit Vkind.com!

Resources

Dalby, A. (2003). Food in the Ancient World from A to Z, New York: Routledge

Dombrowski, D. (1984). The Philosophy of Vegetarianism, Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Press.

Garnsey, P. (1999). Food and Society in Classical Antiquity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Newmyer, S. T. (2011). Animals in Greek and Roman Thought: A Sourcebook, New York: Routledge.

Sánchez, P. (2015). La idea del vegetarianismo en el mundo grecorromano y su traspaso al cristianismo primitivo.

Lösch S, Moghaddam N, Grossschmidt K, Risser DU, Kanz F (2014) Stable Isotope and Trace Element Studies on Gladiators and Contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD) – Implications for Differences in Diet. PLoS ONE 9(10): e110489.

Walters, K. S. y Portmess, L. (eds.) (1999). Ethical Vegetarianism: from Pythagoras to Peter Singer, Albany NY: State University of New York Press. 

Walters, K. S. y Portmess, L. (eds.) (2001). Religious Vegetarianism: from Hesiod to the Dalai Lama, Albany NY: State University of New York Press.