One definition of decadence is "luxurious self indulgence." How much more self indulgent can you get than "I think I would like to do some lock down baking. I'm going to ask a couple of Egyptologists to source me ancient yeast cultures from museums and help me authentically recreate ancient Egyptian baking methods for funsies!"

It's basically insane. It's not like this was part of some lab project sponsored by government grants. But I heartily approve and I hope the world moves more in this direction.

Honestly it reminds me of the Enlightenment, when most research scientists and mathematicians were bored rich guys who were looking to impress other bored rich guys.

Yes, I completely agree. To take it one step further, he didn't even need the bread. He could have just thrown it away and not even notice.