I am a common plebeian in Rome. What did my diet consist of? What types of dishes would I prepare? And how would my diet differ depending on my social rank or occupation (e.g. soldier)?

by stolealoafofbread

I'm interested in the types of food that were common in the Roman Republic/Empire (prior to fall of the west). Are there any cookbooks that survive today or maybe primary sources that describe the foods that were eaten? Also, I'm curious to know how meals would differ depending on social status or occupation (especially for slaves, gladiators, and soldiers).

Lost_Scribe

I can not attest to the culinary differences based on class, but there is a primary source De Re Coquinaria by Apicius. It is dated to the Late Roman Empire. Link