Part 3/9:
While the fresco provides tantalizing clues about the ancient Roman diet, interpretation remains complex. Scholars agree on several components depicted in the painting—wine, leavened bread, pomegranate seeds, and dates. However, the true nature of the toppings, which some speculate could include cheese or fruit, is less certain. Notably, tomatoes were unknown in Europe until 1500 years later, and contemporary mozzarella would be a far cry from whatever cheese may have been used.