In ancient Rome, kitchens were an integral part of the household. While they didn't have built-in espresso machines, they did have a variety of innovative cooking tools and techniques. Roman kitchens were equipped with a hearth, where food was cooked over an open fire. They also had ovens for baking bread and roasting meat. The Romans used a variety of pots, pans, and utensils made from materials such as bronze, clay, and iron. They had a wide range of ingredients at their disposal, including olive oil, wine, fish, meat, vegetables, and spices. The Roman kitchen was a bustling place, with cooks preparing meals for the family and slaves working to ensure everything ran smoothly.