World’s Oldest Beer Factory Unearthed In Egypt; Beer Used For Religious Purposes

by Suchismita Pal
World’s Oldest Beer Factory Unearthed In Egypt; Beer Used For Religious Purposes

Are you a beer lover? Then here’s a piece of news that might catch your interest. It speaks about the oldest beer factory in the world. Archaeologists have recently discovered it in Abydos, Egypt. Located around 11 kilometres west of the Nile River, Abydos is one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt. It is known to be the burial ground of the earliest kings and rulers. The archaeologists have discovered eight massive units, including pottery basins at the ancient brewery site. Also, they have found evidence of sacrificial rites using beer. Read on to know more.

World's Oldest Beer Factory
Picture Credits: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

The Beer Factory Possibly Dates Back To The Era Of King Narmer

Egyptian and American archaeologists have discovered a brewery in the ancient Egyptian city, Abydos and they have claimed that it could be the oldest beer-producing factory in the world. According to an India TV report, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Wazir has said that the factory possibly dates back to the reign of King Narmer. Many historians consider him as the founder of the First Dynasty of Egypt, dating back to 3100 BC. Dr. Matthew Adams of the Institute of Fine Arts holds that the factory used to provide beer following royal rituals, as the archaeologists have found evidence of the use of beer in ancient rites at the site. Meanwhile, a new study has found that drinking strong beer is as good as probiotics.

World's Oldest Beer Factory
Picture Credits: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

Also Read: 10 Great-Tasting Indian Beers Every Beer Lover Must Try

The Brewery Used Pottery Basins To Heat Up Grains And Produce Beer

The antiquities ministry has said that in the early 1900s, the British archaeologists were the first to mention the existence of the factory. But it could not be traced back then. Now, the archaeologists have finally discovered it and found eight massive units there. Each unit is 20 metres long and 2.5 metres wide. Also, each unit includes 40 pottery basins in two rows. Excavators are believing that ancient Egyptians used these pottery basins to heat up grains mixed with water to produce beer.

World's Oldest Beer Factory
Picture Credits: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

Also Read: Ever Had Glitter Or Rasberry Beer? The Best Microbreweries In Gurgaon Will Leave You Blissfully Buzzed!

Would you like to visit this brewery from the days of yore? On that note, here are some unique beer experiences from accoss the globe:

First Published: February 15, 2021 2:50 PM