The world’s oldest known cookbook is the Roman cookbook “De re coquinaria,” which was written in the 4th or 5th century AD.

De re coquinaria, also known as Apicius, is a collection of Roman recipes believed to have been written in the 4th or 5th century AD. The text is named after a famous gourmet and lover of luxury named Apicius, who lived in the 1st century AD.

The recipes in De re coquinaria include a wide range of dishes, from simple vegetable soups to elaborate meat dishes and desserts. Many recipes call for expensive ingredients such as exotic spices, rare meats, and seafood.

The text is divided into ten books, each covering a different dish or ingredient. Some books include fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, and dessert recipes.

De re coquinaria was widely read and used as a source of culinary inspiration throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is considered an important historical document that sheds light on the culinary traditions of ancient Rome. Today, it is still used as a reference by historians, chefs, and food enthusiasts alike.