Evaluation of Gastronomy Items in Roman Mosaic Art

Roman art has been influential on three continents (Europe, Africa, and Asia) for nearly a thousand years and includes many gastronomic elements such as painting, marble, mosaic, silver and bronze works, and earthenware. Mosaic art, an important part of Roman art, was performed both outdoors and in the interiors of buildings and offers rich works. Mosaic artists have demonstrated their artistic talents by developing the traditional Roman style. This study aims to evaluate Roman mosaics in terms of gastronomic elements. Fifteen mosaic compositions containing gastronomic elements were examined using document review and semiotics, qualitative research methods. In these mosaics, vegetables, fruits, games, large and small cattle, and seafood were used as gastronomic elements. Mosaics provide much information about Roman culture, socialization, eating and drinking habits, and food. In particular, the Asarotos Oikos mosaic is an important work regarding the relationship between art and gastronomy. Overall, Roman mosaic art is a unique source of information about Roman life and gastronomy.