By Eleonora Curcio and Lorenzo Lodori

Let’s discover the fascinating journey of beer: from its origins to the present day.

If there is a drink that has spanned millennia and cultures, it is definitely beer. From its humble beginnings in ancient Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations to its global explosion in the modern day, beer has played a central role in human history.

The Millennial Origins of Beer: A Journey Through Time

The thousand-year-old origins of beer take us on a fascinating journey into the past, where human ingenuity transformed simple ingredients into one of the most loved and consumed drinks in the world.

The roots of beer are lost in the depths of ancient history, dating back to the 4th millennium BC in the Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations. It is here that we have the first traces of what will become one of the most loved and consumed drinks in the world. However, it was not simply a chance discovery, but rather the result of a process of observation and experimentation over time.

In that context, we must consider the importance that cereal farming had in ancient societies. Grains such as barley and wheat were mainly farmed for consumption but soon it was discovered that these grains could also be used to produce beer. It is likely that beer was initially fermented accidentally when starches from cereals met water and were exposed to atmospheric agents.

The first written records of beer production date back to Mesopotamia, where the ancient Sumerians worshipped the goddess of beer, Ninkasi. Sumerian texts also contain detailed recipes for brewing beer, indicating that this process was already well-developed.

The varieties of beer produced in Mesopotamia were diverse: from “black” beer prepared only with barley, to the brewer who produced up to 70 types of beer using spelt, barley and intermediate products. The beer’s color may come from wheat, as wild barley varieties found in Syria and Mesopotamia display a purple color. Unfortunately, the technical details of these brewing techniques are still a matter of speculation, but ancient texts suggest that in some parts of Mesopotamia people preferred to drink beer through a barrel or metal tube to avoid ingesting husks.

In ancient Egypt, beer played a very important role in the daily and religious life of society. Associated with the goddess Hathor, beer was brewed in several varieties, from light and refreshing to richer and darker. The ingredients used for production included barley, wheat and millet.

An interesting curiosity concerns the “beer of truth”, which was prepared exclusively for religious purposes. This beer was reserved for the twelve gods who guarded the sanctuary of Osiris, as well as their priests. Osiris, equated with Dionysus in the Hellenistic era, was considered to have taught humans the art of brewing beer. Its influence on Egyptian culture is also evident in this aspect of daily and spiritual life.

The importance of beer in ancient times cannot be underestimated. It was not only a drink to quench thirst or celebrate special occasions, but also had social, religious and economic significance. It was an integral part of the daily diet and was often consumed in place of water, which was often contaminated and unsafe to drink.

Celts and Germans

The true architects of the spread of the drink in Europe were the Germanic and Celtic tribes . The latter in particular settled in Gaul , Britain and above all in Ireland , where there is even a legend according to which the Irish descend from a people of demigods called Fomorians who had power and immortality thanks to the secret of brewing. It is said that the Fomorian king named Balor was a great connoisseur of beer and that he owned a magical cauldron capable of producing large quantities of this drink. This cauldron was a symbol of prosperity and abundance, and the beer produced from it was precious and highly desired. This myth reflects the Celtic tradition of associating beer with a symbol of fertility, abundance and well-being.

The inhabitants of the United Kingdom have been drinking top-fermented beer since the Bronze Age, but it was only with the arrival of the Roman Empire and the creation of the Roman road network that the first taverns where travelers could find refreshment began to appear. The birth of pubs as we understand them today dates back to the time when the Romans left the British Isles; they became so widespread that in 965 King Edgar issued a decree that there could not be more than one in each village.

The pub called the “Royal Standard of England”, located near Beaconsfield , England , is among the best preserved of those from Anglo-Saxon times .

The Middle Ages and Monastic Beers: An Era of Brewing Progress and Culture

During the medieval period, monasteries played a crucial role in the production of beer, becoming authentic centers of excellence in that field. In an era where natural resources and isolation were precious, monasteries provided an ideal environment for beer production with extensive water resources and land. Beer was not just a drink for monks but also held a fundamental role in their daily lives, often consumed during meals and offered to travelers and pilgrims stopping at the monasteries, thus contributing to the spread of beer culture.

Monks dedicated considerable attention to beer production, following ancient recipes passed down through generations and using herbs and spices to impart flavor and aroma to the beverage, leading to the renowned quality and authenticity of beers produced in the monasteries and their spread beyond monastic boundaries, transmitting a rich brewing tradition that continues to influence the beer world today.

Trappist breweries are a true heritage of global beer culture, offering high-quality beers and a fascinating immersion into the history and traditions surrounding them. Produced within Cistercian monasteries managed by Trappist monks, Trappist beers follow ancient recipes and artisanal methods passed down through generations, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and authenticity. In addition to beer production, Trappist breweries are places of spirituality and contemplation, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience monastic life, participate in community activities, and taste the renowned Trappist beers directly from the source. In an age dominated by industrial production and standardization, Trappist breweries represent an oasis of authenticity and tradition, narrating tales of dedication, passion, and commitment while conveying a profound connection to the history and culture of the monks who produce them.

The Modern Age and Beer Laws: An Age of Regulation and Innovation

In the Modern Age, beer has gone through a phase of extensive transformation, influenced by a series of laws and regulations that have shaped its historical path. A crucial moment was the Purity Edict of 1516, also known as the Reinheitsgebot, issued in southern Bavaria. This decree, promulgated by the Dukes of Bavaria, rigorously established the ingredients that could be used in the production of beer: water, barley malt and hops. This law, although it limited the variety of beers produced, guaranteed a previously unmatched level of quality and safety.

The effect of the Purity Edict was felt in the brewing industry for a long time. On the one hand, it has helped ensure the purity and quality of the ingredients used in beer production, improving its safety and flavor. On the other hand, it set the standard for traditional German brewing styles, establishing the basis for iconic beers such as Pilsner and Weizenbier.

As the centuries passed, other European regions introduced similar regulations for beer production. For example, in England, laws have been established to regulate the process of producing and taxing beer, helping to ensure the quality of beers produced in the country and generate tax revenue for the government.

Alongside regulations, the Modern Age has also seen significant technological advances in the brewing industry. New malting techniques, the widespread use of hops, and the introduction of brewing and bottling machines have improved the efficiency and consistency of brewing.

The World of Beer Today: Creativity and Taste

Today, the world of beer is a place of endless discovery, where tradition intertwines with innovation and taste is king.

 Imagine walking down the aisles of a beer shop, with shelves overflowing with bottles of beer from all over the world. From small craft breweries to renowned companies, there’s a beer for every palate and every occasion.

The craft beer movement has revolutionized the way we think about beer. Independent brewers, are challenging conventions and creating unique and memorable beers.

But the world of beer is not just a matter of tastes and flavours. It has become a culture in its own right, with events such as beer festivals, guided tastings and craft beer courses attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Social media has amplified this global community, allowing beer lovers to share experiences, recommendations and reviews in real-time.

 And there’s also a growing focus on sustainability and innovation in the world of beer. Many craft breweries are adopting more eco-friendly practices, using local ingredients and reducing the environmental impact of brewing. At the same time, there are breweries that are experimenting with new production processes, such as spontaneous fermentation and barrel ageing, to create unique and complex beers.

In conclusion, the world of beer today is a place of adventure and discovery. With a vast range of beers to explore and a passionate, increasingly global community, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy in the wonderful world of beer.

The LEONARDO project aims to revolutionize the way beer is produced by merging it with education, using innovation to acquire knowledge and learn in an innovative manner.

 

Sources:

A Comprehensive History of Beer Brewing Franz G. Meussdoerffer

Arnold , J.P. ( 1911 ) Origin and History of Beer and Brewing , Alumni Association of the Wahl – Henius Institute of Fermentology , Chicago, IL .

Lelio Bottero, Lorenzo Dabove, Matteo Billia, Manuale della Birra, Edizioni Gribaudo, Milano 2009

Sebastiano Garbellini Augustiner: nobilta’ del bere dal 1328, “Il mondo della birra”

Nelson, Max: The barbarian’s beverage: A history of beer in ancient Europe