Reclining to eat was the preserve of rich Romans so how did ordinary citizens dine? Find out how "fast food" is not a modern idea but has roots in Roman towns and cities.

Most people are familiar with the idea of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Tudor England, those of means and social status likewise ate three times a day, but this had not always been the case.

Hosting your own medieval feast may require some effort, but creating the right atmosphere and dressing the table need not be too difficult. Light some candles, let the wine, beer or mead flow freely, add a little background mediaeval music, and enjoy these recipes.

Given their Mediterranean roots, Roman cuisine was influenced by, and in turn influenced, the ancient Greeks.