Golden drops of Testaccio: Flavia's olive oil trade in early medieval Rome
Golden drops of Testaccio: Flavia’s olive oil trade in early medieval Rome
On the outskirts of Rome, near Testaccio’s Monte dei Cocci and the lively Tiber River docks, lived Flavia, a spirited saleswoman in her early 30s. Her modest shop stood among the chaotic market stalls, where olive oil jars stacked high glistened under the Roman sun. The strategic location allowed her to trade directly with merchants unloading amphorae of golden oil from across the Mediterranean.
Flavia’s day began before dawn. Together with her 12-year-old son Marcus, she prepared the shop, arranging clay jars of varying sizes. Marcus, sharp-eyed and eager, weighed small portions for customers or fetched jars from the back for larger orders. The morning air filled with the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakers and the earthy aroma of herbs sold by neighboring vendors.
By mid-morning, the market at Testaccio buzzed with life. Wealthy patricians sent their servants to haggle over premium olive oil, essential for fine cooking and lamp fuel. Farmers from the outskirts of Rome came to purchase coarser oils for their household needs. Flavia was adept at reading her customers—offering a warm smile to regulars, a sharp word to hagglers, and a watchful eye to suspicious newcomers. Deals were struck with lively exchanges, often over the sound of shouting fishmongers and clinking pottery.
Marcus, keen to learn the art of negotiation, watched his mother with admiration. “Always meet their eyes,” Flavia advised him, her voice steady despite the din. “They’ll respect you more.”
As the day wore on, the market grew even noisier. Children darted through the narrow alleys, dogs barked, and dockworkers shouted as they unloaded new cargo. Despite the chaos, Flavia thrived. The people of Testaccio trusted her, knowing she offered fair prices and high-quality oil.
By sunset, as the market quieted and the shadows of Monte dei Cocci lengthened, Flavia and Marcus counted the day’s earnings. Their small business was a testament to their resilience and the vibrant humanity of Testaccio—a place where history, commerce, and community intertwined daily.
Discover more about Flavia by booking our walking tour: “Testaccio food market“.
If you are travelling to Rome with your family or travelling alone, and would like to discover something that hardly is found on your guide, spend some quality time in the company of locals in a friendly environment, why not enjoy a travel experience with us: small group up to 8 people top, accompanied walking tour by locals, real Italian food experience and some insight on the authentic Italian way of life.
