About Le Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions about life as an expatriate in the Middle East; women's experiences, international human rights efforts and issues, interfaith relations in areas of conflict, with a particular emphasis on Iraq, Israel/Palestine, and Afghanistan.
Experience I was a human rights worker for four years in Palestine/Israel, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I have additionally traveled in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. I speak intermediate Arabic and some Hebrew, and I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations. I am currently working to create an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization
Publications "Be the Healers" (a response to Abu Ghraib), July 2004 issue of the Lutheran magazine. Also: www.christian-muslim.net; www.young-activist.blogspot.com; additional articles and interviews about me can be found via Google search.
Question Le Anne Clausen,
This more of a historical question but it did not seem to fit any of the categories offered. I hope that I am not taking up your valuable time. What did the diet consist of for the average Middle Eastern citizen, say around 200 BC, and were the people generally healthy? Thank you for your time and wisdom.
Sincerely,
Kirby
Answer Greetings Kirby, and thanks for your question. Basically, the diet would have consisted primarily of what could be had locally, and that varies from region to region. For example, fruit would not travel well over great distances; but dried grains could. Rice, lentils, beans, and wheat can be transported, and there are ancient records and archaeological evidence that shows these were regularly transported. Spices, while costly, could also be transported over trade routes. People could raise animals for meat as well, particularly small animals, like poultry and sheep or goats. The proverbial 'milk and honey' could also be had.
Whether people were healthy depended on whether the crops did well over a period of time, and factors such as diseases, weather, and warfare. As conflict goes up, people's access to food, water, and even basic sanitation goes down.
If you are in the Chicago area, the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago is a very helpful resource; otherwise, you might look into some of their publications. Otherwise, search under 'Ancient Near East life and culture.'
