Brewing through Time Part 2 – Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia – The Drink of the Gods

Welcome to the second installment of “Brewing Through Time: The Ancient Art and Impact of Beer.” Today, we journey to the cradle of civilization, ancient Mesopotamia, where beer was revered as the drink of the gods.

In the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the ancient Mesopotamians cultivated barley, one of the primary ingredients for brewing beer. Archaeological evidence suggests that beer was brewed in Mesopotamia as early as 6,000 BCE, making it one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages.

Beer held a sacred place in Mesopotamian society. It was considered a divine gift, and the brewing process was often overseen by priestesses. The Sumerians, one of the earliest Mesopotamian cultures, even had a goddess of beer named Ninkasi. A hymn dedicated to Ninkasi, dating back to 1800 BCE, serves not only as a song of praise but also as one of the oldest surviving beer recipes.

The Mesopotamians consumed beer using long straws to filter out the brewing residue, often sharing a communal vessel. Beer was a staple of the Mesopotamian diet, consumed by people of all ages and social classes. It was often used as a form of payment for laborers, particularly those who worked on large construction projects.

Beer also played a vital role in religious ceremonies and offerings to the gods. Temples had their breweries, and beer was offered to deities to gain favor and blessings.

The legacy of Mesopotamian beer continues to influence modern brewing. The techniques and traditions developed by the ancient Mesopotamians laid the foundation for brewing practices that are still in use today.

As we continue our exploration of the ancient art and impact of beer, we will uncover the unique stories and traditions of beer across various ancient civilizations. Join us for the next part, where we will explore the significance of beer in ancient Egypt.

Citations:

• Homan, Michael M. “Beer and Its Drinkers: An Ancient near Eastern Love Story.” Near Eastern Archaeology, 2004. Link
• Boulton, Christopher. “Brewing Science, Technology and Print, 1700-1880.” Pickering & Chatto, 2014. Link