Archaeologists unearthed what is believed to be civilization’s earliest brewery in Egypt.
American and Egyptian archaeologists uncovered the beer factory in Abydos, an ancient burial ground west of the Nile River, dates to the reign of King Narmer, who oversaw the unification of Egypt, Mostaga Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities said on Saturday.
Researchers found eight large units each about 65 feet long an 8 feet wide. Within each unit are about 40 ceramic vats which were used to heat a mixture of grain and water to produce the ancient suds.
The facility was built most likely to provide royal rituals with beer. Archaeologists have found other evidence indicating beer was used in sacrificial ceremonies.
British archaeologists were the first to note a beer factory existed in Abydos in the early 1900s, but they were unable to find it.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
