Ancient Roman Savillum Identified as Early Cheesecake Ancestor

Ancient Romans created a cheese-and-honey cake known as "savillum," which historians identify as an early ancestor of the modern cheesecake.

This culinary link illustrates how ancient food practices evolved into contemporary desserts. By understanding the origins of savillum, researchers can better trace the migration of ingredients and cooking techniques from the Mediterranean to the rest of the world.

The dessert was prepared as a sweet treat for banquets and special occasions. These cakes showcased Roman culinary skill through the combination of cheese and honey. According to the AOL editorial team, savillum was a staple at Roman feasts and was prized for its rich, creamy texture, and sweet honey glaze.

Records of the dish appear in the Roman cookbook Apicius, which was compiled in the fourth to fifth century AD ^[1]. This period marks the era when the Roman Empire established many of the gastronomic foundations still seen in European cuisine today.

While the primary ingredients are well-documented, some details regarding the sweetener vary. CNN Travel staff said the cake was sweetened with honey. However, AOL reported that the cake was sweetened with a mixture of honey and figs.

"The Romans were the first to combine cheese and honey in a baked dessert, a practice that eventually evolved into the cheesecake we know today," CNN Travel staff said.

Max Miller, creator of Tasting History with Max Miller, said this ancient Roman cheesecake is the direct ancestor of the modern version. The practice of baking cheese into a sweet cake allowed the Romans to preserve dairy products while creating a high-status dessert for the elite of the empire.