The history of beer in the world in 5 minutes! [The development of beer since ancient times]

We will answer your questions!

For beer lovers, it's not just the taste of the beer that matters.Its origins and developmentYou may also want to know more about:

actually,The history of beer dates back to Mesopotamia., it has evolved with different cultures and eras!

In this article,The history of beer from its birth to the present dayI will explain it in an easy and detailed way.

The origins of beer

There are many theories about the birth of beer, but the history of beer isIt began more than 4000 B.C.It is said that the first civilization of mankind existed in Mesopotamia."Sumerian Civilization"By that time, beer was already being drunk.

The Sumerians enjoyed beer andNutritional source and drinking water alternativeIn particular, beer was highly nutritious and was an important source of energy for people at the time.

Around 3000 BC, beer spread to Egypt, and in particular barley-based beer was produced. Beer was loved by everyone from commoners to royalty, and in Babylonia, the first written law was enacted in the 1700s BC."Code of Hammurabi"There are laws regarding beer written in the 1960s and 1970s.

Ancient Egyptian History: Pyramid Building and Beer

In ancient Egypt,Beer was also provided to the workers building the pyramids.The workers consumed beer as a "meal" and it was an important source of nutrition during construction.

Beer was provided to workers every day to replenish their energy and help them endure the hard work.

In this way, beer was an essential ingredient in maintaining the workforce, contributing to nutrition, hydration, and morale.

History of Medieval Europe: Monasteries and Beer

In medieval Europe,Monasteries played a central role in improving beer brewing techniquesUnder the influence of Christian culture, monks refined beer into a nutritious drink and it is said that it was also used for medicinal purposes.

Hops, which have antiseptic properties, were introduced into beer, and from the 11th century onwards, the quality and flavour of beer improved.

Also, beer"Liquid bread"The knowledge and techniques of the monasteries spread to the general public, and beer became a staple in cities.Guild System*This led to widespread use among many people, and demand increased.


*The organizational system of commerce and professions in medieval Europe. People who engaged in the same profession or commercial activity gathered together and formed associations to protect their mutual interests.

修道院ビールといえば ”トラピストビール”

Germany's "Beer Purity Law" and the Establishment of Quality Standards

1516 in Germany"Beer Purity Law"The law stipulates the quality of beer.Beer should only be made with barley, hops and waterThis established the quality standard for German beer.

These rules were important for protecting the flavor and quality of the beer, and German beer culture developed greatly here.

The spirit of the Purity Law remains today, and many German beer brands that adhere to traditional brewing methods still abide by this law.

The Industrial Revolution and the Global Spread of Beer

In the 19th centuryIndustrial RevolutionThe invention of the cooling machine and the development of yeast culture technology made it possible to mass-produce beer of consistent quality all year round, and the shelf life of beer also improved.Pasteur*byPasteurization TechnologyThis also contributed to improving the shelf life of beer, making it more widely available.

As a result of these technological innovations, bottom-fermented beer (mainly lager) became mainstream, and beer began to spread throughout the world.

*19th century French chemist and microbiologist

The birth and development of beer in Japan

Beer was first introduced to Japanlate 18th centuryIt is believed to have been brought to Japan from the Netherlands through Dutch studies.

Later, when Perry arrived in 1853, beer once again attracted attention, and in the early Meiji period, American William Copeland founded Spring Valley Brewery (now Asahi Beer) in Yokohama, becoming the first company in Japan to brew full-scale beer.

This beer company was established in 1872. As the Meiji government actively adopted Western culture, beer became popular in Japan, and large beer companies were established in cities such as Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo.

All of the major beer companies that exist today started anew during this period.

Modern Japan and the Establishment of Beer

At the end of the Meiji period, beerA symbolic drink of the modernizationIt was accepted as such and became an established part of Japan's drinking culture.

Beer also came under tax, and became an important industry supporting liquor tax revenue.

It also became widely popular among the general public, and Japan's beer culture continues to develop to this day.

Summary: What the history of beer tells us

Throughout its long history, beer has influenced countries and cultures around the world.

Nutritional and safe beverages,andThe energy source of laborAs a company, it has been closely involved with society and has evolved over the years to adapt to technology and values.

From ancient times to the present, beer has given us a sense of connection to rich history and culture, and it will continue to be loved by many people in the future!