Ancient Greece Foods

Greeks associated all sorts of religious and philosophical meaning to food. They never ate meat unless it had been sacrificed to a god, or had been hunted in the wild. As for the vegetables and fruits thy believed some to be dirtier and some to be cleaner.

The Greek diet consisted of foods that were easily raised in the rocky terrain of Greeces landscape. Breakfast was eaten just after sunrise and consisted of bread dipped in wine. Lunch was again bread dipped in wine along with some olives, figs, cheese or dried fish.

Supper was the main meal of each day. It was eaten near sunset. It consisted of vegetables, fruit, fish, and possibly honey cakes. As Sugar was unknown to ancient Greeks, they used natural honey as a sweetener.

Fish was the main source of protein in the Greek diet. Beef was very expensive, so it was rarely eaten. The poor could eat beef and pork only during religious festivals. Also during the festivals cows or pigs were sacrificed to the gods, and the meat was cooked and handed out to the public.

Sheep and pigs are kept by local farmers too. Poultry is left to roam in peace and the organic eggs are fresh and tasty. Wine was the main drink in ancient Greece. It was watered down; to drink it straight was considered barbaric. Milk was rarely drunk, because again, it was considered barbaric. Milk was used for cheese production. Water was another possible choice as a drink.

As the Greeks did not have any eating utensils, they ate with their bare hands. Bread was often used to scoop out thick soups and was also used as a napkin to clean hands. After such use it was thrown for the dogs or slaves to feed on it or eat it.

Men often gathered for dinner parties called symposiums. Having Women of the house were not permitted to attend. After giving a wine offering to the gods, the men drank and had lengthy discussions about politics or morals. Young girls and boys would often be employed to entertain guests with music and dance.

Ancient Greek Life History / Ancient Greece Facts for Kids

We owe a lot to Ancient Greek Civilization. History of ancient Greece is a fascinating. On this site, we have given information on various ancient Greek life aspects - Arts, Boys and Girls, Architecture, Dancing, Gods, Myths, Medicine, Inventions, Houses, Government, Religions, Wars, Politics, Weapons and ancient Greece Cities.