Archaeologists from the United States and Egypt have unearthed a brewery that may be the oldest in the world. This is a 5,200-year-old brewery.
Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, said the brewery was discovered in the ancient city of Avidos, near an ancient burial site, located in the desert west of the Nile River, about 450 km south of Cairo.
According to him, the factory is probably from the time of the reigned king, who is considered to have united Egypt into one kingdom. This is a period of about 5,200 years ago.
At the site itself – according to the secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt – the researchers found eight large units – each about 20 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. In each unit were found 40 pottery vessels, placed in two rows, intended for heating mixtures Of cereals and water and for beer production.
Prof. Matthew Adams of New York University, one of the site’s research leaders, said the brewery was established in the area to supply the drink at ceremonies. According to him, archaeologists have in the past found evidence showing the use of beer in ceremonies in ancient Egypt. The Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt said that as early as the beginning of the 20th century, British archaeologists estimated that there was a brewery in the area, but only now was it found.
Avidus was one of the ancient cities in Egypt. Experts believe that Avidus was the capital of Egypt before the era of the Pharaonic dynasties, and during the first four dynasties.
The pharaohs of the first dynasty were buried in Avidus, including the aforesaid Namer, who is considered the founder of the first dynasty and probably ruled at the end of the 32nd century BC. His successor Hura Acha was also buried in the same city.
An ancient brewery was also discovered in Tel Aviv about five years ago. Excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority near Hamsger Street in Tel Aviv in 2015 revealed ancient pottery fragments that were used to make beer 5,000 years ago. 17 pits were discovered at the site, which were probably used to store agricultural produce.
This is the taste of beer from thousands of years ago
(Photo: Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority)
The ancient capital of Tel Aviv was made from a mixture of barley and water, which were partially baked and then left to ferment in the sun. Various fruit concentrates were added to this mixture to enhance the flavor and give it an aroma.