flipPosca, the legions' drink
Posca, the legions' drink
Why this dish? At Philippi, in 42 BC, Brutus commanded legions against Octavian and Mark Antony. *Posca* — water diluted with vinegar — quenched the ordinary legionary's thirst; the general who shared his men's austerity knew well this rough, healthy camp drink.
Water sharpened with wine vinegar, sometimes sweetened with a little honey and herbs. The Roman soldier's drink: humble, thirst-quenching, and acidic enough to purify water on the march.
Undiluted wine, we leave to feasts and drunkards; under arms, water alone betrays the soldier, for it spoils and brings fever. So pour into your waterskin a finger of vinegar for ten of water, a drop of honey if you wish, and a few coriander seeds. It is harsh, I admit — but it is what my men drink, and what I drink with them. A leader who demands a better cup than his troops has already lost the battle before the first sword is drawn.
- •Wine vinegar (acetum) — one measure (acidity, purifies water)
- •Water — ten measures (thirst-quenching base)
- •Honey — a little (optional) (sweeten)
- •Coriander seeds — a pinch (flavor)
Posca, the legions' drink
Water sharpened with wine vinegar, sometimes sweetened with a little honey and herbs. The Roman soldier's drink: humble, thirst-quenching, and acidic enough to purify water on the march.
Why this dish? At Philippi, in 42 BC, Brutus commanded legions against Octavian and Mark Antony. *Posca* — water diluted with vinegar — quenched the ordinary legionary's thirst; the general who shared his men's austerity knew well this rough, healthy camp drink.
Undiluted wine, we leave to feasts and drunkards; under arms, water alone betrays the soldier, for it spoils and brings fever. So pour into your waterskin a finger of vinegar for ten of water, a drop of honey if you wish, and a few coriander seeds. It is harsh, I admit — but it is what my men drink, and what I drink with them. A leader who demands a better cup than his troops has already lost the battle before the first sword is drawn.
Ingredients (period version)
- Wine vinegar (acetum) — one measure (acidity, purifies water)
- Water — ten measures (thirst-quenching base)
- Honey — a little (optional) (sweeten)
- Coriander seeds — a pinch (flavor)
Ingredients
- Wine vinegar — 2 tablespoons (acidity)
- Cold water — 500 ml (thirst-quenching base)
- Honey — 1 teaspoon (optional) (sweeten)
- Coriander seeds, lightly crushed — 1/2 teaspoon (flavor)
Method
- Warm a little water and dissolve the honey in it.
- Add the wine vinegar and the rest of the cold water.
- Stir in the crushed coriander seeds and let infuse for 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve cold, diluting with more water if the acidity is too sharp.
How it was made : *Posca* was the ordinary drink of Roman soldiers, slaves, and the poor: vinegar (often turned wine) cut with water, sometimes flavored with herbs or honey. Cheap and mildly antiseptic, it made marching water potable. It was carried in skins; legionaries received a regular ration.
The contemporary twist : Served over ice with a cucumber slice and a mint leaf: an ancient 'switchel', refreshing for summer afternoons.
Sources : Plutarch, Life of Cato · Sources on Roman military supply (annona militaris)
Brutus · Charactorium
