12-24-2005, 08:08 PM
Having tended fires for cooking, on camp and in the wild, a question came to me: where did the Roman population get their firewood? A single household will get through plenty, and from the centre of Rome to any discernable woodland is probably a long long way ...
I'm sure charcoal predominated (it was found on hearths at Pompeii). So was charcoal wagoned in every night all night?
I wonder how you bought it? Door to door sales (like coalmen here in the UK), or did you send slaves to a central point.
Along with corn and freshwater, this has got to be the third of the three most important commodities needed by a Roman citizen.
I'm sure charcoal predominated (it was found on hearths at Pompeii). So was charcoal wagoned in every night all night?
I wonder how you bought it? Door to door sales (like coalmen here in the UK), or did you send slaves to a central point.
Along with corn and freshwater, this has got to be the third of the three most important commodities needed by a Roman citizen.
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
