What is the Latin term for the appetizer course in ancient Rome?

The Latin term for the appetizer course in ancient Rome is "gustatio." This term refers specifically to the first course of a Roman meal, which typically included various appetizers meant to stimulate the appetite. It often consisted of light dishes such as eggs, shellfish, and vegetables.

The other terms refer to different aspects of Roman dining. "Prandium" refers to the light lunch eaten around midday, "cena" is the main meal typically served in the evening, and "vesperna" indicates a lighter evening meal that was less formal than the cena. Therefore, "gustatio" is the most accurate term for the appetizer course, highlighting its distinct role in the structure of Roman meals.