What Unusual Food Source Was Once Considered a Delicacy in Ancient Rome?

In ancient Rome, one of the most extravagant delicacies was the dormouse, a small rodent that was often served as a luxurious dish at banquets. Wealthy Romans would raise dormice in special jars, where they were fed a diet of nuts and other treats to fatten them up before being cooked. The dormouse was typically stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, spices, and herbs, then roasted or baked, showcasing the Romans' penchant for extravagant and unusual flavors. This culinary practice reflects not only the social status of those who consumed such delicacies but also the Romans' innovative approach to gastronomy, which often included ingredients that might seem unconventional today.