Archaeologists Dig Up a 2,000-Year-Old Roman Tavern

Heading over to the corner bar for a drink may be an older concept than we think.

That decades-old neighborhood tavern around the corner from your apartment has nothing on this place: Archaeologists in France have unearthed what could be a 2,100-year-old restaurant, according to USA Today. This ancient eatery, discovered in present-day Lattes on the southern coast of France, would have existed during the Romans' reign over the region, Archaeology.org reported.

According to the archaeologists' findings, the place had three indoor gristmills and three ovens, which may have been used to bake flatbread. (How's that for artisan baking?) Benches were also discovered lining the walls of a separate area that had a charcoal-burning hearth at the center, suggesting people sat down to eat, rather than taking food to go.

Fish, sheep, and cow bones were found on the site, suggesting a large and varied menu, and archaeologists also found debris from platters and bowls. Other shards of Italian ceramics indicated there may have been wine-drinking vessels on-site, as Food & Wine mentioned. Other experts speculated that this complex could have been a private dining establishment, as opposed to a tavern or restaurant, as no coins were found at the site.

History buffs sadly won't be able to pop in for a beer at this restaurant that time forgot, but don't despair: Thanks to some dedicated oenologists in Israel, drinking wine like Jesus did may soon be a possibility.

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