Ancient fast-food in Ostia. Probably the Romans were the first to invent “fast food” restaurants. In Pompeii, several places were discovered that offered quick food to residents. Such an ancient fast-food bar was called thermopolium (literally “a place where something warm is sold”) or opinae.

Hot food containers were put into the openings. Every passerby could, of course, pay for some fast-food. Scientists suspect that gruel, fish stew and garum were served.