The Project
The Secondary Project DIAITA Heritage is guided by tseveral key research questions: How is the concept of díaita (‘lifestyle’) defined in classical works of Greek and Latin literature? What was the relationship between díaita and well-being in Greco-Roman culture, both on an individual and societal level? How have reflections on díaita survived, evolved or diverged over time, and how do they continue to influence ideas about environment and well-being in subsequent historical periods? How can we recognise the (in)visible presence of this cultural heritage today?
The dietary discourse surrounding the idea of well-being, environment, and health, within a holistic framework, can be traced back to Hippocratic-Galenic medical literature and Herodotean historiography. It underwent various literary treatments in dietetic writings from Classical Greece and Rome, through the Medieval period and the Renaissance, to contemporary vernacular literature. The project pays special attention to the study of food from historical, cultural, and heritage perspectives, considering its global, national and local dimensions. This approach extends to Portugal, Brazil, and the rest of the Lusophone world, as well as to other regions around the world.
Background and international partnerships
The ongoing research builds upon two previously funded projects:
2013: FCT/CAPES Scientific and Technological Cooperation Program, "Museu & Biblioteca Virtuais do Património Alimentar da Lusofonia (Parte I - Portugal e Brasil)".
References: FCT 2417 and CAPES 10396/13-0
2014: Supported through the annual call by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for research projects in the field of Portuguese Language and Culture. "DIAITA: Lusophony Food Heritage" was a recipient of this support.
The project activity is developed in close coordination with the Luso-Brazilian Network "DIAITA: Food Heritage of Lusophony".