The Byzantine Empire, one of the longest-lasting empires in history (330–1453 CE), was a dominant force that ruled over vast territories spanning Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Byzantine military was a formidable war machine, famous for its strategic prowess, disciplined soldiers, and advanced defensive tactics. But like any army, one of its greatest challenges was feeding its soldiers on long campaigns.
Unlike modern armies that rely on pre-packaged rations, Byzantine soldiers carried nutrient-dense foods that were lightweight, easy to transport, and provided long-lasting energy. One of these key foods was Pastelli—a simple yet effective honey and sesame seed energy bar that sustained warriors on the battlefield. This natural energy bar, known from ancient Greek and Byzantine texts, was prized for its high-calorie content, durability, and ability to boost stamina during combat.
Let’s take a deep dive into Pastelli’s historical roots, its role in Byzantine military nutrition, its enduring legacy, and how you can make it at home today.
Historical Sources of Pastelli
Pastelli (Greek: παστέλι) has its origins in Ancient Greece, where it was first mentioned in classical texts as a nutritious and medicinal food. By the Byzantine period, this simple honey-sesame confection remained a staple energy source, valued for its ability to sustain soldiers, travelers, and laborers alike.
One of the earliest references to a sesame and honey mixture can be found in the works of Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40–90 CE), the famed Greek physician and pharmacologist, whose writings were extensively used in the Byzantine Empire’s medical and dietary practices. In his five-volume text, De Materia Medica, Dioscorides described the nutritional and medicinal properties of sesame and honey, highlighting their ability to provide strength, aid digestion, and boost stamina—qualities that made them ideal for soldiers and athletes. This book remained one of the most influential medical treatises throughout antiquity and the medieval period, widely studied by Byzantine physicians and military doctors.
In addition to Dioscorides, Anthimus (6th century CE), a Byzantine Greek physician serving the Ostrogothic court, wrote about the benefits of honey-based foods in his work De Observatione Ciborum, where he noted that honey provided fast, usable energy and was widely consumed by warriors and workers.
Another significant Byzantine text, the Geoponica (10th century CE), a vast compilation of agricultural and dietary knowledge compiled under Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, also references sesame-based recipes and honey-based sweets, reinforcing their importance in Byzantine cuisine and nutrition.
These historical references confirm that Pastelli was more than just a sweet—it was a practical, energy-dense food that played a vital role in both everyday Byzantine life and military sustenance. By combining Dioscorides’ medical insights, Anthimus’ dietary recommendations, and the practical knowledge from the Geoponica, we gain a clear picture of how sesame and honey remained an essential dietary pairing for centuries, influencing Byzantine military rations, trade, and daily nutrition.
The Byzantine Military and Its Need for Efficient Nutrition
The Byzantine army was one of the most well-organized military forces of the medieval world, known for its strategic depth, heavy cavalry (cataphracts), and advanced logistical systems. Unlike the Roman legions that relied heavily on grain-based rations, the Byzantines diversified their soldiers’ diets with dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, and honey-based foods like Pastelli.
Byzantine soldiers, particularly those on extended campaigns in Anatolia, the Balkans, or along the empire’s eastern frontiers, needed compact, high-energy food sources that would not spoil easily and could be eaten on the move. Pastelli met these criteria perfectly. It was:
- Lightweight and easy to carry – ideal for long marches.
- Packed with calories – offering sustained energy for combat and endurance.
- Naturally preserved – honey kept the sesame seeds from going rancid, ensuring a long shelf life.
- Simple to prepare – it required no cooking and could be made in large batches.
This made Pastelli a strategic choice for soldiers, scouts, and cavalry units who needed a quick, nutritious boost in battle or during sieges.
Pastelli’s Legacy in Modern Cuisine
Pastelli did not disappear with the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It remains a beloved snack in Greece, Turkey, and the Mediterranean today. Known in modern Greek cuisine as Pasteli (παστέλι), this honey-sesame bar is still enjoyed as an energy-boosting treat, often found in bakeries and markets.
In the Middle East, similar sesame-honey sweets exist under different names, such as “sesame brittle” (Halva Simsim in Arabic) or Turkish sesame sweets. Even modern energy bars and granola bars follow the same concept—using natural sugars and seeds to provide long-lasting energy.
By making Pastelli at home, you are recreating a 1,500-year-old Byzantine military ration, tasting a piece of history that once fueled warriors in battle.
Recipe: How to Make Byzantine Pastelli (Honey Sesame Energy Bars)
Pastelli – Byzantine Sesame Honey Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds toasted for flavor and crunch
- ½ cup honey natural sweetener and preservative
- ½ tsp cinnamon optional (adds warmth and depth of flavor)
- ¼ tsp black pepper optional, historical variation (Byzantines sometimes used spices in sweets for digestion and energy boost)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds
- In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Once they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mixture
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey until it becomes slightly thinner but does not boil.
- If using, add the cinnamon and black pepper, stirring well.
Step 3: Combine and Form the Bars
- Stir the toasted sesame seeds into the honey mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray or a greased plate.
- Flatten with a spoon or spatula until about ¼ inch thick.
Step 4: Shape and Cool
- Allow the mixture to cool for 15–20 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge for a firmer texture.
- Once set, cut into small rectangular bars or bite-sized squares.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Enjoy as a snack, pre-workout energy boost, or historical treat!
Notes
- Adjusting Texture & Firmness – If you prefer a chewier Pastelli, remove the honey from the heat as soon as it reaches a light simmer. For a crispier, more brittle texture, allow the honey to cook for 2–3 minutes longer until it thickens slightly.
- Storage & Shelf Life – Since honey acts as a natural preservative, Pastelli can last up to two weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. In warm climates, refrigerate for extra firmness.
- Historical Variations – Some Byzantine versions of Pastelli included black pepper or cinnamon, as described in medicinal texts, adding a warming effect that was believed to aid digestion and increase stamina. Feel free to experiment with these additions for a more authentic, ancient flavor.