Rome and Beyond

Greek settlements in Gaul predated Roman control of the area.

The Greeks brought the tradition of beer making to Gaul, as well as their baking techniques.

Bakers in Gaul began using beer yeast to improve the rising action of certain breads.

Greek bakers dominated the bread trade in Rome.

They established a strict guild system for their craft in Rome, extending a tradition that dated back to 800 BC in Greece.

Through the expansion of the Roman Empire, Greek baking traditions influenced a vast area of the world, especially Western Europe.

In time, France would assume the leadership position in the craft of making bread (as well as wine) formerly held by Greece.