APICIUS Meaning and
Definition
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Apicius refers to a Roman culinary figure and a famous collection of recipes from ancient Rome known as "Apicius". Historically, Apicius is believed to be the name of a gourmet Roman citizen who lived during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (14 - 37 CE). Although his actual identity has been lost to history, he gained notoriety for his extravagant and lavish culinary tastes.
The term "Apicius" is also used to describe the ancient Roman cookbook titled "De re coquinaria," attributed to this revered figure. This culinary compilation consists of approximately 500 recipes that offer insights into the cuisine and culinary practices of ancient Rome.
The Apicius cookbook covers a wide range of recipes, encompassing various ingredients such as meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and spices. It provides details on cooking techniques, with an emphasis on the art of seasoning and the use of spices to enhance flavors. The recipes also illustrate the Roman obsession with intricate and elaborate dishes, demonstrating the affluent Roman society's knack for indulgence and luxury.
Over time, the name "Apicius" has come to represent a symbol of opulent and extravagant dining in Roman culture. It embodies the concept of culinary excess and exemplifies Roman society's pursuit of gastronomic pleasure. This word has also been used in modern times to refer to luxurious dining experiences or to describe people with refined gourmet tastes, akin to the legendary Apicius himself.
Etymology of APICIUS
The word "Apicius" is derived from the name of a famous ancient Roman gourmet named Marcus Gavius Apicius. Apicius was renowned for his extravagant and luxurious culinary tastes. He lived during the 1st century AD and was known to have spent vast amounts of money on lavish feasts and exotic ingredients.
Apicius was also the author of a collection of recipes and a culinary handbook that is now referred to as "Apicius". The book became widely popular among Roman gastronomes and continued to be influential throughout history.
As a result, the term "Apicius" came to be associated with exquisite and extravagant food. Today, the word is often used to refer to high-quality culinary experiences or exclusive gourmet cuisine.
