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Exporting oysters
#1
Hi,

I have read that British oysters were highly regarded and shipped to other parts of the Empire.
How were oysters exported ? Were they shipped alive in salt water or were they pickled/ preserved in some way ?

Thanks in advance

Jo

Edited- Sorry should have read EXported- DOH! :roll:
Memmia AKA Joanne Wenlock.
Friends of Letocetum
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#2
For whatever reason I was browsing the Ancient Civ Food sub-forum and came upon this.

I believe these bi-valves must be consumed live or immediately cooked, and are not likely to have been preserved 2,000 years ago.

One story I recall reading concerned the King in Prussia, Frederick William I (The Great's father). He and some of his army cronies traveled incognito to Hamburg for several days "to gorge on oysters" and drink schnapps and beer. If the king could not get oysters shipped, they seem to have been available only on the coast.
Mike Benedict
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#3
I think they were probably transported in barrels in the sea water they were taken from.

I have seen an illustration in a book somewhere of oysters being transported. EDIT: DOH! It wasn't a book but the last Ancient Warfare Special (Core of the Legion). Article on logistics, page 56

We have recent archaeological evidence of several oyster shells with two holes made in them (where the shell is most solid). Current thought is that these were used as labels for the barrels to indicate the contents so they weren't opened until delivered.
Moi Watson

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
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#4
Yup, the ancients transported live finfish and shellfish in barrels, changing the water frequently enroute. There are plenty of references to oysters reaching Rome. As did tench shipped from Gaul.

The number of salt and freshwater fish sold live in Rome was substantial. You can still see the fish pools at the Market Place today. Species included mullet (big $!) and murenae (moray eels). Hadrian had a huge live-pool at Tivoli. This was recently described as a "fishing pond," but it's walled. Not a fishing pond, although he could have fished at the sacred pond of the gods, only a short walk away.

Even more sophisticated, there were also "live-well" smacks. These sailing craft had central water-tight holds (square or rectangular) their garboard sections drilled with holes, the fish or shellfish getting a continuous stream of changing water. Fairly cool! (nuk, nuk, nuk):lol:
Alan J. Campbell

member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians

Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)

"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
             Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
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#5
Quote:I have read that British oysters were highly regarded and shipped to other parts of the Empire.
How were oysters exported ? Were they shipped alive in salt water or were they pickled/ preserved in some way ?

We don't actually know how the Romans did it, but have to guess. However, I had a friend who farmed oysters in the Inner Hebrides. He used to send them all over the UK packed in damp seaweed - that was all they needed to keep them alive until they reached their destination. Tolerant little chaps, oysters. They are also one of the defining archaeological characteristics of a Roman site.

Mike Bishop
You know my method. It is founded upon the observance of trifles

Blogging, tweeting, and mapping Hadrian\'s Wall... because it\'s there
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#6
Two oyster farms operate from the Maine peninsula next to mine. They aslo ship them in seaweed for short hauls, like to our local dealers. But on a long haul, say from Britain to Rome, the seaweed gets warm (even hot) and the oysters would crap off. So the ancients probably used changing sea water to keep them cool. Just a thought.;-)
Alan J. Campbell

member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians

Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)

"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
             Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
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