Drinking alcoholic beverages is popular around the globe,
and one that is very much intertwined with almost every culture. Recently, there has been a resurgence in the
popularity of alcoholic beverages here in the United States, particularly among
“millennials” who are cited as having greater interests in home brewing and
vinification, participation in pub crawls and wine walks, and unfortunately increasing
incidences of alcoholism. Despite the
recent spike in alcohol related activities among millennials alcohol actually
has been ubiquitous among cultures for centuries. Today’s blog post is dedicated to
understanding the biological and cultural origins of alcohol and alcohol
consumption. Topics that will be
explored include the biological developments that allowed for the consumption
of alcohol, the cultural inception of the production of alcohol, and finally,
the social purposes of alcohol production and consumption.
 |
| Artistic rendition of a hominid consuming fermented fruit. Image Copyright: N. R. Fuller (Source: Archaeology Magazine) |
Alcohol consumption has a long history in modern human
cultures, but it may actually be traced back to ancient hominid
populations. According to a study by
Matthew Carrigan, the ADH4 enzyme, which allows humans to digest alcohol, may
have appeared in ancient hominid species.
Carrigan believes this enzyme has existed for ten million years, and it
may have developed out of a biological need from the consumption of fermented
fruits. Carrigan does not believe that
the fermentation process was intentional but instead was the result of natural
decomposition processes of the plants after they fell from the trees. Hominids, with their limited knowledge of
fresh vs spoiled food, may have consumed these fruits due to their ease of
access, resulting in the need to develop a biological mechanism to deal with
the consequences.
Humans were consuming fermented foods for centuries prior to
actually developing the technology and methods for the production of
alcohol. Intentional alcohol production
began with the advent of agriculture, although it is unclear if this production
was intentional or just a “happy accident”.
The first alcoholic beverages that were produced were wheat beer in the
Middle East and wine in the Mediterranean, although which product was produced
was dependent on the local flora (vegetation) of the area as there was some
overlap in beer and wine production in these regions. Southeast Asian areas also produced distilled
alcoholic beverages, importing the methods from the Middle East. Independent invention of alcoholic beverages
also occurred in the New World, also corresponding with the establishment of agricultural
production. Chicha, a corn beer, was
prevalent in the Andes of South America, whereas balché, a tree and honey
alcoholic beverage, was popular among Central American groups.
 |
| Alcohol consumption among ancient Egyptians. (Source: Google Images) |
Women were the primary manufacturers of alcoholic beverages,
which is not all that surprising when you remember that men were the
agriculturalists who planted and harvested the fields and crops. Despite the role of women in the
manufacturing process, they were excluded from alcohol consumption in many
societies and cultures. Women,
particularly slaves, helped spread the manufacturing processes of alcohol
throughout the Old World, though, allowing for other regions to produce their
own variations of alcoholic beverages, such as Grog among Scandinavians.
The motivations for alcohol production and consumption are
quite different today from the past.
Alcohol was primarily produced for its perceived medicinal
qualities. This was popular among
Sumerians, Egyptians, and Scandinavians alike who all promoted the medicinal
qualities of beer, wine, and grog respectively.
Alcoholic beverages were also created and consumed for the purpose of
participating in specific ritual practices.
This was a motivation among Central American groups who reserved
alcoholic and other types of consumption for bloodletting rituals, but it
appears that many other cultures reserved alcohol consumption for ceremonial
purposes. Also, as it appears to be the
case in some instances today, alcohol possession may have been tied to social
rank. For example, among ancient Romans
there were two types of wine: a finer and sweeter variety that was considered
the wine of the nobility and a vinegary variety reserved solely for slaves and
the poor.
 |
| Medieval print of the medicinal properties of alcohol (Source: Google Images) |
In conclusion, alcohol consumption has a long history within
human societies and cultures, which may be older than the dawn of human
civilizations according to one scholar. Alcohol
production, however, appears to have begun as other technological advancements,
specifically the agricultural revolution, sprang up around the globe. Alcohol consumption patterns varied and
continues to differ among cultures around the globe, but whichever the reason
it appears that alcohol consumption will be a staple in human societies for some
time.
References
McGovern, P. 2013. “New Evidence on Origins of Winemaking in France.” University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. http://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/?p=1913
McGovern, P. 2014. “New Biomolecular Archaeological Evidence for
Nordic “Grog,” Expansion of Wine Trade, Discovered in Ancient Scandinavia.” University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology. http://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/?p=1904
McGovern, P. No Date. “Intoxicating: The Science of Alcohol.” University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. http://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/?p=1984
McGovern, P. ND. “5,100 Year Old Egyptian Medicinal Wine” University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. http://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/?p=42
Miller, M. 2015. “Archaeologist attempts to revive lost
alcoholic beverages from ancient recipes and residues.” Ancient Origins. http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/archaeologist-attempts-revive-alcoholic-beverages-ancient-recipes-020189#ixzz40Ccn5k00
No Author. 2014. “Early Human Ancestors Benefitted from Fermenting Fruit.” Archaeology Magazine. http://www.archaeology.org/news/2746-141202-fermentation-digestion-alcohol
No Author. 2013. “Europe’s Oldest Wine.” Archaeology Magazine. http://www.archaeology.org/news/1364-131003-greece-grapes-wine-neolithic
Smith, FH. 2001. “Volatile Spirits: The Historical Archaeology
of Alcohol and Drinking in the Caribbean”.
Dissertation. University of
Florida.
This post is dedicated to PFS and his viticultural family, as well as my dad, a former vintner.
49 comments:
I found this posting to be very interesting. It always amazes me how many new techniques are found in used by those who make their own alcohol. However, I often wonder too, just who sat down and thought about taking fruits (or other items) and letting them ferment and then turning around and drinking it. The theory that it was simply a misconception of fresh and old makes more sense.
I also found it intriguing to know that consumption of alcohol by women was not allowed by women, even though they played such a vital role in the manufacturing and distribution of it.
Michelle Amos- ANTH 205
This blog was very interesting to me, mostly because I work as a bartender part time and I have never really thought about its origin. It surprises me that this process of fermenting fruit was probably accidental. It states in the article that hominids more than likely did not know the difference between fresh and spoiled fruit and ate them of the ground. I thought that once fruit got to the fermenting stage they become soft and juicy which I feel would be easy to distinguish from fresh fruit. It is also intriguing that alcohol was limited to the natural fruits around you. This is common sense I guess but coming from a place where you have an enormous amount of choices this surprised me.
I also find it very interesting that women pretty much solely manufactured the early versions of alcohol but were not allowed in most countries to consume it. So they were allowed to make it but not have any, why would women be excluded like that? Alcohol has a very rich history I never took into consideration before this blog.
Shannon Carroll
Anthropology 101
This post was really interesting to read. I was always curious how anyone ever found out how to make alcohol or like you said, maybe it was a happy accident. I wonder what the first person thought when they ate fermented fruit or more specifically what happened when they ate too much of it and became intoxicated. The idea of women not being able to consume it wasn't surprising to me but I wonder if they secretly drank it or made it special just for them.
Good evening, all!
Of course I couldn't pass up an article dedicated to something so common in everyday interactions and socialization. Reading it, what I found most interesting was the fact that many of the historical uses are still common today, whether we realize it or not. For example, I was recently battling a cold which I lost my voice. A coworker of mine proceeded to tell me how a certain Brandy would cure my sore throat. Another coworker, similarly suggested a Tequila - both with complete conviction. Thinking about this further, we use in socialization, sometimes rituals (thinking of communion). Although we are far from historical uses, touches of those concepts are still eminent today. Very interesting to notice!
Thank you - Jessica Richards - ANTH 205
Kayley,
I also wondered the same. Why would anyone eat fermented fruit intentionally. Or even experiment with it. I am convinced it had to be an accidental discovery, which ultimately led to one of the most commonly known drinks around the world. Thinking more about it, I cant help but wonder if there was a period of time where fermented fruits were consumed as the norm and this was considered their alcohol.
Jessica Richards ANTH 205
College students definitely abuse alcohol frequently. I personally do not drink alcohol, but I have a number of friends who do on a weekly basis. Sometimes, they go a little too hard and get a little crazy and I have to end up babysitting them, but that is all apart of the whole college experience. People tend to experiment with alcohol in their college years since they are on their own for the first time and the peer pressure that comes along with drinking does not help at all. The history of how alcohol is made is very interesting and the fact that it can change your perspective and basically control all bodily functions is very mind blowing. Alcohol was looked at differently back then than it is now, as Doctor Boston pointed out in this blog. The use of alcohol now is more for the social scene, while the use of alcohol back then was more for medicinal qualities. This was a good read since most people can relate to this blog!
Shannon O'Hair - ANTH 102
I have always found the propensity to enjoy alcohol very interesting as a person who could, by no means, consume it. I am a super taster and alcohol is brutally horrid to me both in odor and taste. I have tried a sip or two when others would not leave me be just to get them off my back when I was younger. I found it to be revolting. Yet, I know many people who actually enjoy the taste! Animals, including the deer in my yard, often enjoy fermented fruits and the after affects. Alcohol is not limited to hominins and I have seen many a tipsy deer under my apple trees as well as raccoons and I have heard of bears who enjoy a few too many as well. Horses and goats frequently like the taste of beer and wine. I personally had a goat who loved wine, but could not hold his booze.
Our love affair, as a species, with fermented drinks is very interesting, the social component of drinking seems very strong in our culture. In fact, as a non drinker, I can attest to how uncomfortable sobriety can be to folks who regularly drink in the social sphere. Sadly, addiction is all too common and so very damaging. I wish there were a solution for that particular problem that ruins lives, health and families.
It is very interesting to learn how long ago humans started to make alcoholic drinks. Today Doctors would advise to limit alcohol because of health issues. It's interesting that historically its use was medicinal. The difference between what poor people versus rich people drink, historically and now is very interesting as well. I wonder how terrible the cheap vinegar wine really was. A 1000 years from now they may say, "the rich drank micro brews and fine whiskey, while the common folk had PBR." I like good micro brews and whiskey, but I also really enjoy a PBR from time to time!
Back During the prohibition era when alcohol was outlawed, many people figured out a way to brew alcoholic beverages. Some of them even ran a speakeasy and those became popular. Then when the 21st amendment passed in 1933, it repealed the 18th amendment which prohibited alcohol. I highly doubt anyone has brewed alcohol since then.
I don't consider myself as a drinker. But our culture tends to promote drinking. (Think of 'The Hangover'). Many movies and TV shows glorifies drinking acceptable by society. However, many medical researchers have outlined the effects of heavy drinking but some ignores them.
Good points, Kevin. :)
Good points, Kevin. :)
My grandparents used to the pineapple husk to make a fermented beverage, it called also chicha, they put cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and limes. They prepared the chicha very often as a refresh beverage. I remember they said chicha is very good for health; its antioxidant, has a diuretic effect and prevents cardiovascular disease. But just can drink it by adults because you can get drunk very easily depends for how long have been fermented. Also when I was little my mom and her friends were drinking this beverage to loose weight. In my native city this indigenous drink is still more common of what many people think.
Eliana Llanos
Anth 101
What I find interesting is that in many cultures the woman would produce the alcohol but in others it was a social high class standard that the woman drink alcohol. I feel that today though many people abuse alcohol as a way to escape from their problems in live and eventually that leads to alcoholism which has been known as a "disease" in many scientific study since alcoholism can be passed down. My family are one of those families where alcoholism has been passed down and all though there are some of us, such as myself that only drink once in every blue moon, can be affected by alcohol in more way then one. I think when your younger you have more of an urge to drink because of pressure from peers or partying etc. - Julia Hartley
I've always wondered how alcohol came about, especially since there was a prohibition act and alcohol was still being produced illegally during that time. The fermentation of foods was not only a discovery for how we eat today but is something that every nationality goes through. I learned in my nutrition class that fermentation is one of the most broadest ways to have and keep food and can be a healthy way of nutrition like fermented beans.
It is interesting how alcohol technically was discovered on accident by drinking the fermented fruit. Alcohol has been apart of our cultural and is still common today. Alcohol uses have changed over the years. During this time it was used for ceremonials, rituals, and medical purposes. Today alcohol is a common thing. It is not just for celebrations. It is a natural occurring event to drink after a long day at work with dinner or tailgating at football games. My boyfriend has actually got into the home brewing and I must say it tastes amazing. It is a interesting process to be involved with.
Leslie Milton
Anthropology 101
Course 3001
Now this was an interesting read! I've always kind of wondered who "invented" alcohol but after reading this blog I realized that mankind was somewhat on the same page.
It would make sense that whoever could stomach fermented foods would survive longer than those who couldn't. In terms of ritual alcohol drinking, was it very little or did they drink a lot? What were the implications that followed?
I had to read this post just based on the title. I am a social drinker but have also seen first hand the devastating affects that the disease of alcoholism can have on a person and their family and friends. Learning about the origins of alcohol and the social aspects of it are interesting. Learning about the intentional origins of alcohol production and the social aspects of it are interesting. It makes since that the type of alcohol would depend on the agricultural development or production of an area. I find it interesting that of all the different kinds of alcohol produced today that wheat beer was among the first. I assumed wine was but would not have gone with a wheat beer around the same time although it would make since. I would lean towards the production of it being more along the lines of a “happy accident” then intentional. Sky
As i am writing this post im listening to music, ironc enough the name of that song is "It all started with a beer" so that just makes me think of how many stories and songs would not exists if alcohol was never invented. If alcohol was never discovered when it was first discovered what would have been its replacment i wonder?? The fact that many cultures around the world all had their own way of making and comsuming alcohol and all that is very interesting becauseat that time social medias and technology that we have today did not exists. What would alcohol consumption be like if the legal age got raised in nevada or just in the US in general.. I feel like alcohol legal age is a conterversial issue becasue of all the consequnces that are associated with alcohol.
S. Covian Anthropology 101
So many of today's television shows and movies depict alcohol in earlier times as a part of every day life. Reading this article, I can now see how alcohol was truthfully used. Although I am sure pirates, warriors, and knights all did consume alcohol on a regular basis for celebrations and traditions, it is more believable to me to see the medicinal needs of alcohol which other cultures utilized.
Your question cannot be answered because it's too general. Rituals vary and are specific to each religion and culture, so the answer is that it depends on which ritual you are curious about.
Ah man, I would have never pegged a Neanderthal/caveman drinking alcohol. I wonder if the hominids just ate the fermented fruit whenever they wanted or was it like a ritualistic/religious thing?
I have always been fascinated by the things we have discovered through trail and error. Alcohol is an impressive drink with an important history. I know it was very important in times of bad or no water as well! The medicinal needs of alcohol have also been used, which is interesting that we take it for nothing more than an intoxicant in our modern society. Pity the women were not aloud to partake in their alcohol consumption. Next time I have a drink I will have another in their name.
Sessions Arvans
At this time we cannot make that assessment.
At this time we cannot make that assessment.
It disappointing to know the women would manufacture the alcohol and after all their hard work they weren't allowed to take in some of their work. It pretty cool that alcohol was discovered by eating a spoiled fruit.
It's very interesting to find out that alcohol consumption was traced back all the way to ancient hominids. Also that women were the first to manufacture alcohol.
Being raised in a Catholic school institution, I often saw alcohol in a church setting. This was a "sacred" drink, essentially that was used in a Ritual, as stated in the blog " Alcoholic beverages were also created and consumed for the purpose of participating in specific ritual practices". I have understood that alcohol has been used for many centuries prior. However, modern day alcohol consumption has taken a turning point in a strange way. Rates of alcohol consumption are much more severe than in cultures prior, and have sent people into more of an addictive state than ever before.
generally, too much of alcohol is not good for human, and i like the way women are excluded in drinking alcohol. Alcohol has a lot to with with culture especially when they are doing some ritual.
I didn't know that the first alcohol produce was wheat beer, didn't know as well that woman couldn't consume acohol. It is so common in this generation that now a lot of people use it in their everyday life. A lot on holidays and special occasions.
Aaliyah Caldwell
I knew Romans drank a lot of alcohol but I didn’t know we had been devouring alcohol even before recorded history although it makes sense now that i think about it. That is really interesting although pretty nasty how we got it back then.
I found this article very interesting learning that alcohol went back so far in time. And it was interesting knowing that the first alcohols made were wine and wheat beer.
It's interesting that women used to be the primary makers of alcohol from the perceptive of today's culture if one disregards how things were in the past. Gender differences in modern times make it seem too "unladylike."
The men in my family have always been alcohol enthusiasts. I still have an older uncle that travels to the southern parts of the US for rare homemade wheat beer and moonshine. Alcohol has come a long wa and continues to progress.
I was unaware that at one point women were banned from alcohol. It's amazing how it could have been a complete accident and now is one of the most common celebratory drinks whether it be wine, beer, or straight liquor.
this was a very interesting read. myself being one that likes to go out and have a drink every once in a while this will definitely make me think the next time I go out. its interesting that women could not drink alcohol because in todays society women would look at you crazy if you tell them they cant drink.it was also interesting to learn how long alcohol existed and how far they traced it back to.
Alcohol has been around for so long and I think its time to end. Drinking is a bad habit that people have and its becoming normal to do it. Why is it OK to drink but not do drugs? Both make people act in a crazy way.
It is culture that dictates what is acceptable vs. not, and as a larger American culture it was decided long ago that alcohol is more acceptable than drugs. There is actually a history behind this choice, although I do not recall the specific reasons, but you can look it up if you are interested. :) Now, keep in mind, because this is a cultural preference there are cultural groups-both within American culture and outside of it-that feel differently about drugs and alcohol, and their cultural preferences do vary widely.
so now i kind of have a clue where alcohol comes from. this is cool
It always amazes me how many new techniques are found in used by those who make their own alcohol.
First thing that came to my mind when I seen this article was Bottoms Up. My favorite song is by Brantley Gilbert a country singer that wrote a song call Bottoms Up. I believe alcohol will never die in our world. However some cultures have their own beliefs on certain customs including alcohol and drugs. If your smart and dont do dumb things and follow the laws you should be 100%
Jovie Black
Its crazy to know that in other areas or countries, the legal age for drinking and buying alcohol varies. Its kind of interesting how someone came up with the idea of making a substance that changes your bodily functions. & How it evolved over time
Do you believe that alcohol was consumed more back then or now? I didnt know that alcohol was spreaded by females back then.
-Daisha Benton
As an alcohol enthusiast this post is a breath of fresh air. I have always wondered who was the first to invent such a pleasurable drink. I love how throughout history all different sorts of cultures and regions have been able to all enjoy their own kinds of booze, that we get to enjoy today!
Do you think that alcoholism and getting drunk occurred more back then than it it does now?
It's hard to say.
It’s astounding to read and know that alcohol defered from what someone considered to be fermented fruit. As well I never knew there was an enzymes that allowed the digesting of liquor. It’s interrstinf to know cultures used alcohol for different celebrations and through the years we’re able to create new and more potent alcohols. To knew that the age varies for the age of drinking is baffling. To know someone under the ane of 21 is allowed to drink would be scary, however people do it in today’s time .
-Jazlyn Logan
Before this post i never knew how alcohol was discovered. I Learned that it was discovered by eating spoiled fruit. I'm amazed at the history we have on liquor alone.This was a great post.
-Jasmine Busby
Hmm this post really makes you see different sides because in some parts of my African family many believe that drinking alcohol represents many things such as letting go and peace. I have plenty of people in my family where there was never an age limit on drinking and many people encouraged you to start early. I have friends that started at as early as 10. I was always told it was never bad to drink its just "spoiled fruit". But what an interesting blog.
Post a Comment