Translated from french with Deepl (please notify us of errors)

Two, then three, then four: the fork doesn’t lose its teeth over time like humans do. Contrary to popular belief, the fork is not a medieval or Renaissance invention. Its existence is attested in the Roman Empire, between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Although it is much less common than spoons, it can be found on display in many museums[1]. Latin also has words for fork: fuscinula or furcula which, as in French, are diminutives of the words for fork (or trident).
Although their exact use remains a mystery, these Roman forks with two or three prongs were certainly used as meat pikes at banquets for the Roman elite, either for serving or as a substitute for the more messy use of the right hand to bring morsels to the mouth. In any case, the common people rarely saw meat on their tables, and even less forks…
Mysterious disappearance
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, the fork mysteriously disappeared from European tables. This eclipse can perhaps be explained by the growing influence of the Church, which took a dim view of this three-pronged utensil as being too close to the satanic trident.

While Western Europe forgot about the fork, it found refuge in the Sassanid Persian Empire. Persian craftsmen gave it an original shape, with a handle ending in a semi-circle supporting two long, closely-spaced tines.
Around the year 1000, the fork began its journey back to the West. It crossed the Byzantine Empire, where it is depicted in frescoes in churches in Cappadocia, showing Jesus and the apostles using it during meals.
In the 11th century, it made its appearance in southern Italy, before slowly making its way northwards through Europe.
Legend has it that it was Catherine de Médicis who introduced it to the French court in the 16th century, but it was already in use under François I.
Vade retro
To make up for its supposedly diabolical connotations, the fork has been given a fourth prong. Superstition was dispelled, and people could once again eat without getting their hands dirty. The little fork became an object of prestige, a symbol of refinement and civilisation. Its adoption gradually became widespread, revolutionising tableware and food hygiene.
[1] Bronze forks, Lugdunum, Musée et Théâtres Romains de Lyon.
Find out more about the fork
- L’étonnante histoire de la fourchette, Interview with Pierre Leclercq, food historian, University of Liège, 18 November 2018.
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