Fish and fishery in the Ancient Greek and Rome world

Water is one of the main resources required for humankind to continue their vital activities. It has always been one of the vitally important factors, affecting both the settlements and the migration movements of the people. As a result of this basic necessity, the relations with water sources has been providing the people with various gains. The gains, predominantly obtained from the food supply and in an economical context, have played a significant role in the cultural memories of societies. In this context, the narratives about fishes in the literary sources of Ancient Greek and Roman World were related not only with its nutritional and economical value but also with the religious activities. In addition, some fish depictions of numismatics and archaeological remains have the quality to represent the gratitude of the obtained gains. These related examples show that the communities were able to discover the right fish catching methods and equipments in time. As a result of the cultural interactions and contributions of the Mediterranean civilizations, especially of Ancient Greece and Rome, the people have achieved to make better use of the natural resources. Enduring hunting gears manufactured from vegetable, animal and mineral resources, have been used successfully. The fish obtained in abundant quantities as a result of this well-organized process led to carry out significant degree of commercial activities. Especially, tunnies has been one of the most consumed and traded fish in ancient times, as contrary to nowadays. It is notable that particularly in the geographies where they were caught, the abundance of processing facilities and fishing has improved. However, the fishes have been exposed to various processing methods since they could not be kept fresh for a long time in commercial activities. Due to these processing methods, the changes occurred in their taste and texture.