Beer: the story of its ancient origins

From the first traces in civilizations to the evolution of production and the role in culture and society

Beer is one of the most popular drinks in the world. There are many types and for all tastes, blond, red, double malt, artisanal and industrial, sweet, bitter or fruity.

In every corner of the world its intense flavour makes it a symbol that identifies culture and society.

But what are its origins? Who actually invented it? What are the first civilizations that began to produce it? 

The first traces of beer in history

Beer is certainly one of the oldest drinks, in fact it seems that its origins date back to 3500-3100 BC in Mesopotamia where, for the people of Ancient Egypt, it was considered not only a food, but also a medicine and had a real religious function. It was drunk during funerals to celebrate the deceased and offered to the gods to thank them.

How it spreads in Europe

Beer spread throughout Europe thanks to Celtic tribes e Germanic.

A legend tells that the Irish They would descend from the Fomorian people, demigods who had power and immortality thanks to the secret of beer making recipe, that was taken from them by Mag Mell, a mythical realm accessible through death or glory.

The Evolution of Beer Over Time

But it's in the year 1000 that beer evolves and in Northern Europe its production becomes industrial. In Germany many people specialize and become master brewers e, in 1376, in Hamburg the brewers have become 457, divided between exporters and local sellers.

In 1516 “the is drawn upEdict on Purity” which establishes that only with barley malt, hops and water e, in 1620, thanks to the Pilgrim Fathers, beer is also exported to America. 

Meanwhile, in Europe, the French chemist, Louis Pasteur, discovers the pasteurization process thanks to which the beer begins to be preserved after being heated to a temperature above 60°C, a practice that was later also applied to wine.

All late nineteenth was distributed in glass bottles, making it more inviting in appearance and easier to sell.

Today, beer is produced in various countries around the world where there is no shortage of anniversaries and events that celebrate it, such as the one that takes place on first Friday of August, the day in which World Beer Day is celebrated.  

Another event in honor of beer is the'Oktoberfest, a popular festival that takes place in Munich, Germany, from the second to last weekend in September to the first in October. It is an event that attracts 6 million visitors every year with an average consumption of 7,5 million pints.