The world’s first great beer cultures emerged more than 5,000 years ago along the banks of the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile rivers. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, beer was both a staple of daily life and a beverage for special occasions. Artists, scribes, brewers, and drinkers left behind ample traces of ancient brewing and drinking traditions. Archaeologist Tate Paulette draws on this evidence to illuminate the world of ancient beer and recounts his own experiences recreating it. He is then joined by classicist and beer historian Travis Rupp, who explores flavor profiles from the earliest brewing traditions and introduces the evening's modern brews inspired by ancient practices. Guests then head to the Villa’s Café Terrace to enjoy brews, bites, and conversation.
Copies of Tate Paulette's book In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia will be available for sale in the Museum Store before the program begins.
