Let's grab a six pack and get civilized

[Sandy Eggo]

Archaeologist: Beer Sowed the Seeds of Civilization

(Nov. 10) -- Over the years, beer has brought countless people together. But researchers now say beer isn't just responsible for sparking new friendships and relationships -- it might also be responsible for the rise of human civilization.

Archaeologists believe that when Stone Age farmers in Southwest Asia began harvesting grain -- a process long considered to be a precursor to the advent of civilization -- they weren't doing it to produce food.

Instead, they say agriculture's early seeds were sown in an attempt to brew beer, according to LiveScience.com.

Scholars believe Neolithic groups in the Natufian culture began settling down and farming cereal grains about 11,500 years ago. But archaeological evidence reportedly shows that barley and rice were only minor parts of the diets of early humans -- leading researchers to believe they might have been used for drinks at parties.

Considering how hard it is to turn grain into food and how far some Neolithic people traveled to obtain grain, archaeologist Brian Hayden at Canada's Simon Fraser University believes early man might have stockpiled grain to make beer that was served at feasts.

[The Troll]

  I'll drink to that. 

[Locutus]

Me too!   

[Sandy Eggo]

Cheers!

[Palehorse]

 

[Sandy Eggo]

Have you ever noticed how much the liquid in that glass looks like Guinness?

[Palehorse]

Have you ever noticed how much the liquid in that glass looks like Guinness?

Why of course! It's why it is my favorite! (The fact it is a bottomless glass helps too!)