Between 10,000 and 4,000 BCE beer became a widespread beverage throughout many early developing civilizations and empires (10). Prior to the Neolithic Revolution humans lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and migrated to regions that were rich in game and edible plants. Two regions in particular, located in fertile river valleys, contained a massive crop of wild cereal grains that lead to mass food production, population explosions, social developments and early currency.
In Mesopotamia and Egypt cereal grains were originally used to make thickened soup, thin breads and gruel that was high in protein and calories. The grain could also be easily stored significantly reducing the threat of food shortage making it desirable for migrating peoples (13). It was soon after the mass use of these grains that
…show more content…
As beer became a widespread beverage it began to impact the cultures it came in contact with. First, due to the long fermentation period of beer, and the need for more cereal grains to support a larger population, it served as a factor in the change to agriculture and sedentary societies (21). Cities surrounded by grain fields began to develop across Mesopotamia and Egypt and could support a much larger population. Also, as beer became the beverage of choice, disease decreased because beer was made with boiled water that commonly killed the bacteria found in natural contaminated cold-water sources (21). The creation of taxes also directly correlated to this population increase. The magical properties associated with beer, fermentation and intoxication, caused it to be seen as a gift from the gods so, it was commonly used as a ceremonial offering (19). Therefore, storehouses built to hold the surplus food that was used to pay taxes soon became temples. Priests would collect the tax and use a clay token or later writing to keep track of the contributions each family made (23). The priests then used the food to pay