A Tipsy Story

Beer was the drink of choice in the ancient Mesopotamian home, consumed on a daily basis by men and women alike. They believed that it brought joy to the heart and happiness to the liver. When a new building was built, the first brick used was made from clay mixed with honey, wine, and beer. Another reason for its popularity could simply be the fact that, though water was abundant in the area, there was always the fear that it might be contaminated, what with all the laundering and leather tanning that went on in the rivers (van de Mieroop).