# Apicius

## Biography

Marcus Gavius Apicius was a celebrated Roman gourmand and epicure who flourished during the reign of Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century CE. Renowned for his extravagant lifestyle and deep passion for food, he became a legendary figure whose name is synonymous with fine dining and culinary excess. Apicius hosted lavish dinner parties, serving opulent dishes like flamingo tongues and fattened pig livers, showcasing a sophisticated knowledge of ingredients and preparation. Though the famous ancient cookbook "De re coquinaria" is traditionally attributed to him, the surviving text was likely compiled centuries later, drawing upon his reputed recipes and culinary wisdom. Anecdotes from ancient writers paint a picture of a man so devoted to luxury that he reportedly ended his own life upon realizing his vast fortune had diminished, fearing he could no longer afford his accustomed gastronomic delights. Apicius left an enduring legacy as a symbol of Roman culinary ambition and indulgence.

## Books

- [Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome](https://samolit.com/books/96354)