One beverage has stood the test of time as a commercial enterprise, cultural unifier, and even driving force in human history: beer.
Popular alcohol, however, is one of the oldest “happy mistakes” in history.
“We don’t know if beer was discovered or invented, but it seems likely that it was an accidental discovery,” archaeologist Matthew Adams said on Fox Nation’s “A History of the World in Six Glasses.”
Based on the New York Times bestselling book by Tom Standage, “A History of the World in Six Glasses” examines how six drinks changed the course of history. Hollywood legend Dan Aykroyd joins fellow Saturday Night Live alums Jim Belushi, Jon Lovitz and Kevin Nealon, along with “Cheers” stalwart George Wendt to talk beer, wine, coffee, tea, soda and spirits .
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Although the exact date is unknown, it is considered that beer was first developed as early as 10,000 BC. C., when Neolithic people began to settle and establish cities.
In the special series now airing, Adams explained that the beer was likely the product of involuntary fermentation.
“If Neolithic people made porridge or porridge or something like that from the grain they had harvested, mix it with water,” he explained. “If you let it sit for a couple of days, something happens there.”
After stumbling upon the drink, the process was soon “deliberately manipulated” to create beer. Ancient beer went on to play a decisive role in religions, myths, currency and social life, particularly in Egypt.
The author of “A History of the World in Six Glasses,” Tom Standage, explained that beer was the “lifeblood of Egyptian civilization.”
“Beer was liquid bread,” Adams added. “It was more than just a drink. Beer was food.”
Fox Nations’ new show, A History of the World in Six Glasses, is now streaming. (Fox Nation)
Fox Nation’s “A History of the World in Six Glasses” delves into beer’s lasting impact on civilizations, including some of the momentous advancements in brewing.
Beyond beer, Aykroyd and other guests on the show trace the history of five other defining beverages: wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks and spirits.
So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and tune in to “A History of the World in Six Glasses,” streaming now on Fox Nation.
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