3rd–1st millennia BCEReputable sourceWell documented
Beer, Wine and the Ancient World
On the timeline · around 3rd–1st millennia BCE ·
What happened
In Mesopotamia and Egypt, beer was a daily staple — nutritious, safer than river water, and even used to pay workers. The Sumerians praised it in hymns to the goddess Ninkasi, while wine became central to Greek and Roman life and religion.
Why it matters
Alcohol was woven into the economy, religion and daily diet of the first civilizations — the intoxicant that helped build cities.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Beer · Reputable source
Related timelines
- Ancient Mesopotamia → — Beer as daily staple and wages