Penthiacum is one of the dishes eaten in antiquity, and which was mentioned by Petronius in the “Trimalchio’s feast”. The meal consisted of chopped meat. The name derives from the name of the mythical king Thebes, Pentheus, who according to Greek mythology was killed in fury by Maenad, also called Bacchae.
He opposed the introduction of the Dionysian cult into his country and forbade women to participate in Dionysian ceremonies. On the advice of Dionysus, whom he did not recognize and imprisoned, he watched the mysteries hidden among the trees. The raging Maenad discovered his presence and tear him apart.
