Describe the various ways of learning about ancient diets and how it relates to people's lifestyles - Essay Example

Studies of skeletal remains and mummies may be used to show what kind of food the ancients ate. One such study is the research conducted on ‘nutcracker man’, the skull of a Paranthopus Boisei, a relative of humans, who was noted to have a strong jaw and large, flat teeth. For years, it was believed because of the structure and size of its jaw and huge molars that the Paranthopus Boisei at nuts, seeds and other hard items. Further study had revealed, however that the famed ‘nutcracker’ did not crack nuts after all.

It appears that despite its large jaw, the Paranthopus Boisei more likely munched on grass, and that the structure of their jaw was more inclined to chewing tough grasses (Choi, “Nutcracker Man Ate Like a Cow (Or Pig) “. 2011). In the same way, science and modern technology continue to bridge the gap between the past and the present. We know through much research the kinds of food our ancestors ate through the research and study of fossils, particularly noting the jaw structures, teeth, and stomach contents (if possible) of fossilized and mummified individuals.

Geography One of the major indicators of Ancient cuisine can be seen of course, by observing and studying ancient ruins. Expeditions have uncovered skeletal remains, fossils and mummies which have been further studied and analyzed to determine the diet of these individuals before they died. The expedition sites in themselves reveal telling clues about a people’s culture and society, including what they could have possibly eaten, and how they prepared their food. The geography of an area, their climate and type of land, all suggest the kind of food that is grown in an area, and determines if a people are hunters, food gatherers, or fishers.

Egypt for example, with their close proximity of the Nile River, proposes that they had access to water supply and fish. Because of their rich soil and lush vegetation, it would make sense that Egypt prospered most of the year, even during times of drought (Philips, “The Diet of Ancient Egyptians”). A study of ancient Egyptian homes revealed bread ovens, used to cook bread, and cellars, used to keep wine and other food products. Paintings Artworks such as paintings, pottery, and sculptures can be used as evidence as to determining what ancient people ate.

Paintings on ancient walls show the fruits, vegetables, and meats that were present and being eaten during the time it was painted. Processes and methods of cooking can also be seen in these artworks. There are paintings of servants making bread, stirring batter, and collecting fruits and vegetables. Other illustrations include men carrying what appear to be pots of milk and cream, or of slaves milking cows and harvesting crops (Philips, “The Diet of Ancient Egyptians”). Even the early cave men would paint animals, fruits and vegetables on their cave walls.

These are telling signs of their diet, as they would only paint the things that they could see in their environment. Sometimes, these paintings are of feasts, and involve the killing of certain significant animals, and in some cases, the entire process of how they would prepare their meats. Artifacts Ancient Egyptians also brought food to their graves. They were known to be buried with their earthly possessions as they wished to take their riches and belongings with them to the afterlife. Sometimes, food was even found to be buried in mummy tombs (“