The Ancient History and Importance of Beer

Beer is a very ancient beverage, with roots dating back to 7000-6000 BC. The first beer production took place in Mesopotamia (present-day regions of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and some parts of Turkey). During that time, beer was obtained by mixing grains with water and allowing fermentation to occur.

Beer became a part of daily life in ancient civilizations. Many cultures, such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and various Central European tribes, had widespread consumption and production of beer.

Since ancient times, beer has been used as a beverage in social and religious activities. During periods where water was unsafe to drink, beer could serve as an alternative. Therefore, the role of beer in daily life during ancient times was quite significant.

Archaeological findings provide evidence regarding beer production and consumption in ancient times. For instance, Sumerian tablets found in Mesopotamia contain information about beer production and trade. Additionally, wall paintings and inscriptions in ancient Egyptian tombs and temples indicate the prevalence of beer consumption during that era.

Archaeological remnants such as vessels, barrels, and other equipment used in beer-making have also been discovered. For example, pottery found in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt has been identified as vessels used in beer production. These remnants shed light on information related to beer production and consumption during those times.

Archaeological findings present evidence of beer production and consumption in ancient times, supporting the importance of beer as a significant beverage since ancient times.

Examples of Finds:
1) Sumerian Tablets

A divine tablet dedicated to the beer goddess Ninkasi, dated to around 1800 BC, roughly providing a beer recipe:

You are the one who handles dough [and] with a big shovel,
Mixes bappir in a big pit with sweet aromas.
Ninkasi, you are the one who handles dough [and] with a big shovel,
Mixes bappir with [date] – honey.

You are the one who bakes bappir in a big oven,
Arranges piles of malted grain.
Ninkasi, you are the one who bakes bappir in a big oven,
Arranges piles of malted grain.

You are the one who soaks malt on the ground,
Even the noble dogs keep away the ruler.
Ninkasi, you are the one who soaks malt on the ground,
Even the noble dogs keep away the ruler.

You are the one who soaks malt in a jar,
Waves rise, waves fall.
Ninkasi, you are the one who soaks malt in a jar,
Waves rise, waves fall.

You are the one who spreads cooked mash on straw mats,
Coolness overcomes [it].
Ninkasi, you are the one who spreads cooked mash on straw mats,
Coolness overcomes [it].

You are the one who with both hands holds the great sweet wort,
Brewing it with honey [and] wine.
(You sweet wort, to the vessel)
Ninkasi (…) (You sweet wort, to the vessel)

You are the one who strains the brew vat,
Placing the fermenting vat correctly on top.
Ninkasi, you are the one who strains the brew vat,
Placing the fermenting vat correctly on top.

You are the one who pours out the filtered beer from the fermenting vat,
It is like the onrush of the Tigris and Euphrates.
Ninkasi, you are the one who pours out the filtered beer from the fermenting vat,
It is like the onrush of the Tigris and Euphrates.

2) Beer Pipelines (Straws)

These pipelines, made from reeds, are seen in depictions of ceremonies and meal scenes in the early periods of the Sumerians. These have not been found in archaeological excavations and are believed to be made from deteriorated material, possibly reeds.

3) Beer Drinking Vessels (Sumerian Artifacts)


Locations of Finds:

Mesopotamia, encompassing regions of present-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and parts of Turkey, is believed to be the origin of beer production.
Egypt is an ancient civilization known for beer production and consumption. Discoveries related to beer, such as depictions and artifacts, have been found in places like temples, tombs, and wall paintings.
Sites where archaeological findings related to beer production and consumption are discovered are generally settlements associated with these major ancient civilizations.

Archaeological Recipe for Beer and Contemporary Recipes:

There might be distinct differences between beer production in ancient times and contemporary recipes. Beer-making in ancient times might have been simpler, involving mixing grains (usually barley or wheat) with water and letting fermentation take place. Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian recipes typically consisted of simple ingredients like grains, water, and yeast (either naturally occurring or added).

Contemporary beer production is usually a more complex process. Modern beer production involves precise measurements and control when mixing ingredients like malt, hops, water, and yeast. Various steps such as preparing malt, mashing, boiling, fermenting, and bottling are involved in this process.

Finding detailed information about beer recipes from ancient times might be challenging due to the lack of written documents or the deterioration of some records. However, modern beer production maintains some basic principles from ancient times while being a more complex and controllable process.

Uses of Beer:

Nutritious Beverage: In ancient times, beer was consumed as a nutritious beverage during periods when drinking water was unsafe. Beer, containing fermented grains, could provide some nutrients and calories.

Religious Ceremonies, Rituals: In some ancient cultures, beer was among the beverages used in religious rituals or offered to gods. For instance, beer was used in certain religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt.

Social Interaction: Beer was a part of social interaction in ancient societies. It could be produced for strengthening bonds between communities, increasing social interactions, or used in special events like weddings or celebrations.

Cooking: Beer could be used in cooking some dishes or for flavor enhancement. For instance, it's known that beer was used in cooking and flavoring in ancient Roman cuisine.

Economic Value: In some societies, beer was produced and sold for commercial purposes. It has been used as a trade commodity from ancient times to the present day.