Placenta: The Ancient Roman Cheesecake | Tasting History

TLDRExperience the flavors of ancient Rome with a layered cheesecake called placenta. Made with sheep's cheese, honey, and tracta, it's a delicious and unique dessert. Learn the history behind the name and the controversial pronunciation of Latin.

Key insights

🍰Placenta is an ancient Roman cheesecake made with sheep's cheese, honey, and tracta.

🌟The name placenta has different pronunciations in Latin, leading to debates among Latin scholars.

👨‍🌾Cato the Elder's 'De Agri Cultura' provides insight into Roman farming practices and contains the recipe for placenta.

🔥Placenta was a popular dessert in ancient Rome and was often offered as a religious offering.

💡The use of bay leaves in placenta adds a refreshing flavor to the cheesecake.

Q&A

What are the main ingredients of placenta?

Placenta is made with sheep's cheese, honey, and tracta, a type of dough.

Why is placenta called placenta?

Placenta got its name from the Greek word 'plakous,' meaning flat cake, which later became associated with the Roman dessert.

How do you pronounce placenta in Latin?

The pronunciation of placenta in Latin varies, with different scholars suggesting different pronunciations such as placenta, plagenta, or placenta.

What is 'De Agri Cultura'?

'De Agri Cultura' is a book written by Cato the Elder that provides insights into Roman farming practices and includes the recipe for placenta.

Was placenta a common dessert in ancient Rome?

Yes, placenta was a popular dessert in ancient Rome and was often offered as a religious offering.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, Tasting History explores the ancient Roman dessert called placenta.

03:00The recipe for placenta is found in Cato the Elder's 'De Agri Cultura,' a book on Roman farming practices.

08:00Cato the Elder's life and influence on Roman society and politics are discussed.

13:00Cato's famous quote 'Carthago delenda est' and his opposition to Hellenistic culture are mentioned.

15:57The finished placenta is tasted and reviewed, highlighting its honey and bay leaf flavors.