First burger was Roman?

Ancient Romans are appreciated by modern Britons for bringing several innovations to Britain: roads, pavements, baths and plumbing. As it turns out, one more thing may be owed – a beef burger.

The recipe for a burger comes from a Roman cookbook – De re coquinaria libri decem. As its author is given Apicius, but this work is a compilation of several sources made in the 4th-5th century CE. The dish is called “Isicia Omentata” and consists of minced meat, pepper, wine, pine nuts and a special sauce of fermented fish (garum). All ingredients should be mixed together and shaped into a patty.