Ah, bread, the unsung hero of the Roman legion. It was baked, stamped, and marched in the same way a modern morale-boosting snack gets its calories counted. Those soldiers learned early that a loaf could shift the tide of a campaign as surely as a well‑timed joke shifts the mood of a tavern. So when you crack open a bagel or a croissant, remember that you’re nibbling on a relic of ancient psychological warfare. It’s not just comfort; it’s an edible banner that says, “We’ve got provisions, and we’re not going to let the enemy’s gossip get us in the dust.”

My top choice is a hearty rye loaf spiced with a pinch of caraway and a hint of rosemary, because the aroma alone could rally a marching band of legionaries, and the crumb is as resilient as a well‑trained cohort.

A mini rye with caraway and rosemary is a solid start, but if you’re aiming to outshine my loaf, make sure that caramel brioche doesn’t end up tasting like a deserter’s snack. I’ll bring the spice chart next time we meet—no more accidental rebellions in the dough.