Roman Empire by Train is Now Airing on Channel 4
Last summer, I had the pleasure of joining Professor Alice Roberts for an episode of Channel 4’s binge-worthy TV show, Roman Empire by Train. Filmed in Turin, our conversation explored one of the most fundamental foods of the ancient world: Roman bread.
Our conversation explored the archaeological evidence for Roman bread production, the remarkable scale of commercial baking in the Roman world, and the important social and religious role that bread played in Roman society. We also discussed how some regional Italian bread traditions preserve techniques and forms with deep historical roots.
The programme also examined the remarkable continuity of Italy’s regional bread traditions. While sharing a traditional Piedmontese rye bread, we discussed how many local bread forms have survived with surprisingly little change for centuries, and in some cases preserve traditions that stretch back to antiquity. The segment concludes by looking ahead to my continuing research into the relationship between Roman bread and the emergence of early Christian Eucharistic traditions.
Watch the episode here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/roman-empire-by-train-with-alice-roberts
