Beer in Mesopotamia Essay Example for Free

Beer in Mesopotamia Essay The first origins of beer are unknown, but beer was a very important drink in Mesopotamia. Beer was shared with two straws as it was a symbol of hospitality and trust. This carries on today, not in the form people sharing a drink with straws, but common drinks are still offered from the same pot or same bottle. Beer also had religious purposes in Mesopotamia. The Egyptians believed that beer was accidently discovered by Osiris. He then passed on his knowledge to humans, which is why the Egyptians believe that it is a gift from God. This is why Beer was used as an offering during religious ceremonies, and still is. Beer may have also caused the switch from hunting and gathering to farming. After beer became more prominent as an important drink, many may have switched to farming, in order to farm grains. eer, with a lower alcohol content, was also very healthy (and often healthier then the contaminated water because it was boiled) which would sustain the farming lifestyle. After the first cities arose, beer became much more prevalent. The first forms of writing began to keep track of the amount of grains, textiles, and livestock and the world’s first recipe was the recipe of Beer. Later, beer began to be used as a form of currency. The workers who created the pyramids were even paid in beer. Lastly, bread and beer were symbols of good fortune and good luck. The Egyptians believed that the amount of bread and beer affected the afterlife. The term bread and bear was used to wish good fortune on to someone. This carried on today in the form of giving a toast before wishing someone good luck is very common.