Results: The History of Beer - Beer in the Ancient World, People have always loved Beer since Ancient Times

The creation of Beer is credited to the Sumerians of Mesopotamia and most likely began over 10,000 years ago. The site known as Godin Tepe (in modern-day Iran) has provided evidence of beer brewing, while sites excavated in Sumer suggest an even earlier date based on ceramic beer jugs and residue found in other ancient containers. Records in early Mesopotamia list more than 20 types and varities of beer. Beer was an important part of their culture, religion and social lives. All ages and social classes drank beer, even children. The date of 4000 BCE is usually given for the creation of beer, in Asia MInor. Were you aware that Beer originated so long ago?

The craft of beer brewing traveled to Egypt through trade and the Egyptians improved upon the original process, creating a lighter product that enjoyed great popularity. Grain crops flourished in the Near, Middle East and Egypt. Cereal grains such as wheat and barley flourished and were staples in the diet of these regions. Beer was consumed daily in Ancient Egypt. Beer was made with boiled water and was safer to drink, which reduced illness. Jugs which held beer were found in tombs of the Pharaohs. Were you aware that Ancient Pictographs show figures enjoying beer dating back 4000 years?

The Egyptian goddess of beer was Tenenit (closely associated Meskhenet, goddess of childbirth and protector of the birthing house) whose name derives from tenemu, one of the Egyptian words for beer. The most popular beer in Egypt was Heqet (or Hecht) which was a honey-flavored brew and their word for beer in general was zytum. The workers at the Giza plateau received beer rations three times a day and beer was often used throughout Egypt as compensation for labor. Evidence of ancient beer brewing in Egypt dates back from 7000 - 5000 years ago. Did you know the Egyptians believed that brewing was taught to human beings by the great god Osiris?

Although beer was known afterwards to the Greeks and Romans, it never gained the same kind of following as those cultures preferred wine and thought of beer as a "barbarian" drink. Wheat and barley were readily available to early civilizations throughout Europe. Clay vessels discovered in archeological digs in Europe contained chemical traces of beer dating back 5000 years. Did you know one of the many peoples they regarded as "barbarians" - now the Germans - perfected the art of brewing and created what is recognized as beer today?