The origin of rice in ancient Macedonia

Driving east along the coast of the Province of Macedonia in Greece, I often came across rice paddies covering a vast portion of the lowlands. I wondered whether rice was known in antiquity and more specifically known to Alexander. 

For a long time, my question remained unanswered until I found an article in The Greek Reporter about the influence of Alexander’s campaign on today’s food. Among other sorts of foods, rice was the first to be mentioned. 

Rice was imported from Persia, which at that time was not limited to the borders of Iran we see today. The Persian Empire, which Alexander set about to conquer, spread from the west coast of modern Turkey to India in the east. It is not surprising to find so much rice in the meals served in all those countries like Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. What’s more, they often share the same recipe, although famous under a different name varying from plov to Palov, pilaw, pilaf, pulao, and others. Such a meal became immensely popular, also in many countries beyond those conquered by Alexander. Whether this extra spread happened in the wake of his conquests or not may be subject to discussion. 

During my own tour of Iran, I remember how, to be on the safe side, I had rice for lunch and again for dinner, alternatively accompanied by a stew of chicken or veal. Each time, the taste was the element of surprise as the spices made a subtle difference. It is remarkable that already in antiquity, the main dishes of Persian Royal banquets were known for the flavors and spices used in their rice meals, also served with meat stews! This means that I had my daily portion of old traditional Persian cuisine often sprinkled with saffron! 

In our 21st century, we are so used to having potatoes, rice, or pasta in our daily meals that it is hard to imagine how some peoples managed without these basics in antiquity. Meat and fish were the basic food, and whenever possible and available, it was accompanied by masterly prepared sauces made of fish and fish roe. 

Truly food for thought ... or thought for food?