The Thermopolium was a typical form of restaurant in ancient Rome. This type of establishment was usually found in Roman cities and offered food and drinks to customers. The term "thermopolium" comes from the Greek words "thermos" (hot) and "polis" (city), so it literally means "hot city". This name was due to the fact that the food was served hot. A thermopolium was usually a small shop open towards the street, with a sales counter and a series of amphorae or dolii containing prepared food and drinks. Customers could select the desired food and pay for it. Some thermopolia also had areas with tables and chairs to allow customers to consume their food and drink on the premises. The drinks offered in the thermopolia ranged from wine, to water, to fruit juice. While the foods served were often dishes such as salads, meat stews, fish, breads and even desserts. Each thermopolium could offer a different selection of dishes, depending on the owner's tastes and specialties. These places were very popular among the Roman population, as they offered a practical solution for a quick and accessible meal. Furthermore, the thermopolia were also often frequented by travelers passing through the city, offering them an opportunity for refreshment during their travels. Although many thermopolia were small, some of them were also quite large and well furnished, decorated with frescoes and mosaics to create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. These larger venues could accommodate numerous customers at the same time and offer a wider variety of dishes. Today, some remains of thermopolia are still visible in the archaeological excavations of ancient Roman cities, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. These places offer us an interesting window into the past and the daily lives of the people of ancient Rome.
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