Ancient History Magazine

EATING FLOWER BULBS IN ANTIQUITY

Quite a variety of flower bulbs were eaten or used in antiquity, even poisonous tubers. The menu or medicine cabinet included arum, lily (both poisonous!), grape hyacinth, and tassel hyacinth.

Potent panacea

The most loved flower was sea squill. Ancient authors mainly wrote about its role as an aphrodisiac and praised its medical properties. They were considered very

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