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Strange History

15 Surprising Foods Eaten By Historic Armies

10. Barley Gruel

10. Barley Gruel
Nourishing barley gruel: a staple for sustained energy in ancient armies.

Barley gruel, a porridge made from boiled barley and water, was a staple for Roman legionaries and medieval European armies. (resmilitares.com) Its high fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates provided sustained energy during long marches. (fchsmuseum.com) The gruel could be flavored with available ingredients, making it a versatile and essential part of soldiers’ diets.

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