Chapter 8
In this chapter we explore the last centuries, and the decline, of the Roman Empire. Did wine play a role in this decline? The spread of Christianity, a monotheistic religion, moderated the rites of Bacchus and gave wine a role that was both sacred and of perdition.
We meet Palladium, the last great treatise writer of the ancient world. At this time, two stellar names in the annals of wine enter the scene: Burgundy and Bordeaux. We pay a visit to a Roman tavern and take part in the convivium, the Roman equivalent to the Greek symposium.
