The secret to a stable society? A steady supply of beer doesn't hurt

[ATruepatriot]

Archaeologists recreate ancient brewing techniques to learn how beer kept an empire afloat

Date:
April 18, 2019
Source:
Field Museum
Summary:
Scientists analyzed bits of beer vessels from an ancient Peruvian brewery to learn what the beer was made of and where the materials to make the vessels came from. They learned that production was local and that the ingredients for the beer included pepper berries that would grow even in droughts. The authors argue that this steady, reliable access to beer helped maintain unity in the empire.

A thousand years ago, the Wari empire stretched across Peru. At its height, it covered an area the size of the Eastern seaboard of the US from New York City to Jacksonville. It lasted for 500 years, from 600 to 1100 AD, before eventually giving rise to the Inca. That's a long time for an empire to remain intact, and archaeologists are studying remnants of the Wari culture to see what kept it ticking. A new study found an important factor that might have helped: a steady supply of beer.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...0418080814.htm

[pcosmar]

Liquid Bread for the slaves to keep them docile.