CHAPTER 10
To understand how today’s “Italian breakfast” has come to be defined, it is necessary to trace the history of this meal and how it has developed since ancient times. By following the history of breakfast, we discover how each habit has evolved and been structured over time, from eating the previous nights’ leftovers, to what was obtained from hunting and gathering.
From the eating habits of ancient Rome, breakfast’s evolution during the Middle Ages and the changes brought about by the arrival of coffee, tea and chocolate to Europe, through to the Industrial Revolution, we will witness the repercussions of historical changes in the way we eat and understand breakfast.
This brings us to the present day, from the post-war period to the early years of the new century, when breakfast has become a shared ritual that is experienced within the community or at home, thanks to the use of new technologies and products.
