Of Cockentrice and Cockatrice: A Monstrous Feast

This book, also known as 'De re coquinaria,' is a compilation of Roman recipes that shed light on the culinary habits of the ancient Roman aristocracy. It contains ten chapters covering various topics such as sauces, bread, meat, fish, and exotic ingredients. The recipes reflect the sophisticated and luxurious nature of Roman cuisine, with influences from Greek and Eastern cultures. Although the exact authorship is uncertain, the work is attributed to an otherwise unknown Caelius Apicius or sometimes to Marcus Gavius Apicius. The surviving version is believed to date back to the fifth century CE, but the recipes themselves may have origins in the first century CE.

Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors. Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay. The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love. It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God.