Experimentalarchäologische Untersuchungen zu römischem Getreidebrei – Bericht zur methodischen Vorgehensweisedes ersten Laborexperiments "LNF2012"

This report presents preliminary results of experimental archaeological investigations on the reproduction of the Roman porridge puls. The archaeological experiment "LNF2012" was performed under laboratory conditions as part of the “Lange Nacht der Forschung” 2012 on April 27, at the Department of Classical Archaeology of the University of Vienna. Two posters gave the visitors insights to the Roman cuisine and Experimental Archaeology. Samples of the reproduced puls were dispensed for tasting to randomly chosen individuals. These people filled out a standardized form to describe their taste impressions. Based on the information given by the participants (n = 47), empirically substantiated statements concerning the organoleptic qualities of the puls were made. As a main result of this study an approach on how the manufacturing process of puls can be reconstructed is shown in figures 5 and 6. Based on the obtained data, further investigations shall be made concerning the manufacturing process, the energy expenditure and the porridge’s chemical properties.