The origins of the wine If Bacchus were a modern woman, what would we say about wine?
"WE MUST CHANGE EVERYTHING SO THAT NOTHING CHANGES."
EDITO : Today, we embark on a fascinating journey through 10,000 years of wine history. From its prehistoric origins to its central role in ancient civilizations, discover how this divine drink has evolved alongside humanity
Human of the week :
Patrick Edward McGovern (born December 9, 1944) is the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum (Penn Museum) in Philadelphia. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is often nicknamed "the Indiana Jones of alcohol," the beer archaeologist," or "the Lazarus of libations.»
The date to remember to shine during your social dinners
23rd century BC marks the first written mention of the word 'wine'. It was King Ouru Ka Gina of Mesopotamia who referred to a delivery of large wine jar from the Iranian mountains. Note that this king also had a beer celar built. At that time, they called wine "the beer of the mountains". "Well, you see, we have a couple of things to talk about.
The origins of wine
Neolithic : From as early as the 6th millennium BCE, the numerous grape seeds found at archaeological sites leave no doubt: our Neolithic ancestors enjoyed consuming grapes. During this time, hunting and gathering still provided the majority of their food... Vine wood was collected and used as domestic fuel, and humans consumed the berries of wild grapes... from which they already made wine! In the Near East, during the Neolithic period, farming and herding quickly replaced hunting and gathering. It was in this region and during this time that the vine was domesticated. It is also here that the oldest traces of wine production are found.
The First Traces of Winemaking : yes yes we are talking about winemaking, the vine mastered by man The earliest tangible evidence of winemaking dates back to 6000-5000 BCE in Georgia and Iran. Ceramic jars containing residues of wine have been unearthed, bearing witness to the antiquity of this practice. Archaeologists, likely disappointed they couldn't taste these ancient vintages, reportedly said according to reliable sources: "Wine is a millennia-old story.
«Too bad the labels were lost; we would have liked to know if it was a memorable vintage!»
Greece: Philosophy and Wine : Let's journey to ancient Greece, where wine was at the heart of cultural life. The symposiums, gatherings where men drank and debated philosophy, are legendary. "In vino veritas," they said – in wine, there is truth. After a few drinks, truth sometimes became a rather elastic notion, but the important thing was to savor every sip.
Rome: Wine and Conquest : The Romans, great lovers of wine, spread viticulture throughout their vast empire. They perfected winemaking techniques and ensured that every corner of their territory could enjoy this beverage. The Romans brought wine wherever they went conquering nations and cultivating grapes. "Bring wine and build baths!" was their motto for integrating into a new civilization.
Ancient Cults and Rituals : Wine also played a crucial role in ancient religious rituals. In the mysteries of Eleusis and other mystical cults, wine was consumed to symbolize connection with the divine. «Even in antiquity, the gods knew how to host a good divine party. The only mystery that remains: how many glasses before seeing the truth?»
Conclusion From early prehistoric experiments to the religious ceremonies of ancient civilizations, and through the feasts of the Greeks and Romans, wine has always been a central element of human societies. Today, it continues to inspire and bring people together around a table, promising millennia more of adventures and innovations. We tell you this fascinating story of wine because each glass is a sip of history and culture, and next week we'll talk about "wine, religion, and commerce.
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