ACTUALLY The Romans Did It First! Townsends React

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   • Food That Time Forgot: Ships Biscuits  
   • The Unbeatable Ships Biscuit  

Ships biscuits and hardtacks have been a crucial part of maritime provisions for centuries, serving as a long-lasting and portable food source for sailors on extended voyages. This essay explores the evolution and significance of these durable foodstuffs from Ancient Rome to the 18th century.
In Ancient Rome, a precursor to the modern ships biscuit was known as "bucellatum." This twice-baked bread was a staple for Roman soldiers and sailors alike.
The process of double-baking removed most of the moisture from the bread, significantly extending its shelf life. This made bucellatum an ideal food for long campaigns and sea voyages, where fresh provisions were scarce.

The Roman bucellatum was typically made from wheat flour, salt, and sometimes olive oil. Its hard, dry texture made it resistant to mold and insect infestation, crucial qualities for food stored in the damp conditions of a ship's hold. While not particularly palatable on its own, bucellatum could be softened with water or wine and combined with other foods to create more appetizing meals.
As maritime exploration expanded in the Middle Ages and beyond, the concept of the ships biscuit evolved. By the 18th century, these biscuits, now commonly referred to as "hardtack," had become a fundamental component of naval rations across European fleets.

The 18th-century hardtack was similar in principle to its Roman predecessor but was often made on a larger scale. Bakers would mix flour, water, and sometimes salt into a stiff dough, which was then rolled out and cut into thick squares or rounds. These were then baked multiple times until all moisture was removed, resulting in a rock-hard biscuit that could last for years if kept dry.
The durability of hardtack made it invaluable for long sea voyages, particularly in the Age of Exploration and during naval conflicts. British sailors, for instance, were typically issued a pound of biscuit per day as part of their rations. However, this longevity came at a cost to palatability and nutrition. Sailors often referred to hardtack by less-than-flattering nicknames such as "molar breakers" or "worm castles," the latter referring to their tendency to become infested with weevils during long voyages.

Despite their unappetizing nature, ships biscuits and hardtack played a crucial role in maritime history. They allowed for extended voyages, supporting the expansion of trade routes, exploration, and naval power. In times of battle, when ships might be at sea for months, these durable rations could mean the difference between success and failure.
The legacy of ships biscuits and hardtack extends beyond their practical use. They became a symbol of the hardships of sea life, featuring prominently in maritime literature and folklore. Their very existence speaks to the ingenuity of past societies in overcoming the challenges of long-distance sea travel.

In conclusion, from the bucellatum of Ancient Rome to the hardtack of 18th-century naval fleets, ships biscuits have been a testament to human adaptability in the face of the challenges posed by long sea voyages. While far from a culinary delicacy, these humble rations played an outsized role in shaping maritime history, enabling the feats of exploration and naval warfare that defined their eras.

#history #ancientrome #ships