What do Romans call appetizers served before the main meal?

The term used by Romans to refer to appetizers served before the main meal is "gustatio." This word specifically relates to the initial course of a Roman meal, which typically included a variety of small dishes intended to stimulate the appetite before the main event of the meal. The gustatio often consisted of items such as olives, cheeses, and other light foods.

In contrast, other terms provided in the choices relate to different elements of Roman dining. "Gustus" generally refers to a taste or sampling, but it is not specifically tied to appetizers. "Secunda mensa" refers to the second course or dessert, which comes after the main meal, and "cena" signifies the main meal itself. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping the structure of Roman dining customs and the culinary terminology associated with them.