Ancient Egyptians: First Medicinal Use of Beer?

by Bruce of Brews on Feb 28, 2011 in Culture
Ancient Egyptians: First Medicinal Use of Beer?

It’s no surprise why scientists throughout history have time and time again put beer in the crosshairs of medical research. Simply put, people love beer. It’s this love that prompts the research of its effects on our bodies.

Yet could it be that ancient Nubians from 2,000 years ago caught on to its health benefits, more than two millennia before us?

In the 1980’s, archaeologist George Armelagos lead a team that unearthed 2,000 year old Nubian bones, where traces of the antibiotic tetracycline was found. New research shows that the bones contain high concentrations of the antibiotic, consistent with modern humans.

Antibiotics for the use of medicinal purposes is a relatively modern discovery. So how could bones from thousands of years ago show evidence that people were ingesting them on a regular basis?

It’s now being revealed that the antibiotic, which is produced naturally from soil bacteria, was being consumed via their beer.

Streptomyces, the bacteria which tetracycline spawns, was most likely created during the brewing process of the Egyptian beer. The ancient Nubians made this beer by a crude process of fermenting bread. Flour, created from germinated grains, was made into bread and then quickly cooked at high heat as to retain a raw center. The end product, fermented in vats, was a thick, chunky type brew with an ABV of around 3%.

Tetracycline was previously thought to be discovered in the late 40’s, and is commonly used today to treat acne, pneumonia and other bacterial infections. Archaeologist George Armelagos likened the discovery to “unwrapping an Egyptian mummy and seeing a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses strapped to the head”.

 

 

What do you look for in your "medicine?"

Create an online survey quiz or web poll

Something hoppy.0%
Something sweet.0%
Something malty.0%
Something fruity.0%
Anything made of beer.0%
Forget all that - sandwiches are the best cure!0%

Create an online survey quiz or web poll

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close