Frugality and Efficiency in Cato's Recipes: An Analysis from the Recipe Collection of De Agri Cultura

In the Rome of the 3rd century BC, Marcus Porcius Cato, known as 'the Censor' or 'the Elder', occupies a central role in shaping the economic and cultural identity of the Republic. Celebrated for his unwavering advocacy of traditional Roman values and his opposition to the Hellenistic influences of the Scipionic Circle, Cato's writings have long been regarded as emblematic of his commitment to Roman morality and ancestral customs. Liber de agri cultura, the earliest extant work of Latin prose, reveals a lesser-known dimension of Cato's intellectual legacy: his contributions as a promoter of economic self-sufficiency and domestic management through practical guidance. Among the agricultural instructions, Liber de agri cultura includes a collection of 14 recipes for sweet and savoury dishes, often referred to as the 'recipe book' section. These culinary instructions are not merely incidental but are integral to Cato's overarching vision of agrarian and domestic economy. They exemplify his pragmatic approach to household management, underscoring his emphasis on simplicity, efficiency, and resourcefulness as cornerstones of Roman life. By analysing the form and content of Cato's recipes, this study demonstrates how his work transcends the cultural trends of his time, aligning closely with contemporary notions of practical guidance. In doing so, it highlights the enduring relevance of Cato's approach in promoting economic frugality and the efficient use of resources in the Roman Republican villa.