The Ancient Greeks' Love For Beer Explored

Alcohol consumption has always been a part of the culture in Greece, although the types of alcohol consumed have changed over time. Wine was the dominant alcoholic drink in Ancient Greece, with the culture even having an official God of Wine, Dionysius. However, archaeological evidence suggests that beer was also consumed in Ancient Greece, with the drink potentially arriving in the country in the Bronze Age.

Beer was consumed at festivals

While wine was the dominant alcoholic beverage in Ancient Greece, beer was also consumed in the region. In fact, beer was consumed at festivals, such as the large festival held annually around the time of the biggest harvest, in honour of Demeter, the Ancient Greek Goddess of the Harvest.

Evidence of beer consumption in Ancient Greece has been found in archaeological excavations of Bronze Age sites, including at Archondiko in northern Greece and Agrissa in the eastern part of the country. Archaeologists have discovered remains of buildings that may have been used for beer-making, as well as special cups that may have been used for drinking beer.

The ancient Greeks also consumed beer at symposia, which were gatherings of men for an evening of conversation, entertainment, and drinking. While habitual drunkenness was rare, intoxication at banquets and festivals was not unusual.

Beer was likely introduced to Greece via Egypt, where brewing techniques were developed around 5000 B.C. By the time beer reached Greece, it had already spread to other parts of Europe, where it became more popular in the northern regions due to the availability of key brewing ingredients.

Despite the presence of beer in Ancient Greece, it never achieved the same level of popularity as wine, which was considered a defining characteristic of Hellenic culture. Beer was associated with northern Europe, the land of "barbarians," and was viewed as an inferior, low-class beverage.

Wine was more popular

Wine was consumed at breakfast or at symposia, and by the 1st century BC, it was part of the diet of most Roman citizens. The Greeks and Romans typically drank diluted wine, with the strength varying from 1 part wine to 1 part water, to 1 part wine to 4 parts water.

Wine was considered so important to the Greeks that consumption was seen as a defining characteristic of Hellenic culture. Those who did not drink wine were considered barbarians.

While beer was not unknown in Ancient Greece, it was believed to be a drink of foreign people, particularly those from Northern Europe. Beer was also seen as inferior to wine, as it was fairly easy to make and a little too expensive.

There is archaeological evidence of beer production in Greece dating back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC). However, it is believed that beer may have travelled to Greece from the Near East, as the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians were already brewing beer by the middle of the 4th millennium BC.

Despite the existence of beer in Ancient Greece, it never achieved the same level of popularity as wine. Greeks much preferred wine, and it was not until the 1800s that beer began to grow in popularity in Greece.

Beer was considered inferior

While the ancient Greeks did drink beer, they considered it inferior to wine. Wine was the dominant alcoholic beverage in ancient Greece, and the ancient Greeks even had an official God of Wine, Dionysius. Beer was seen as a "low-class" drink because it was easy to make and a little too expensive.

Ancient Greeks also associated beer with Northern Europe, a place where "barbarians" lived. This further contributed to the perception of beer as an inferior beverage.

Despite this, there is evidence that the Greeks drank beer during certain occasions, such as large festivals. For example, imported blonde ale was a particular favourite during the festival held annually around the time of the biggest harvest.

In ancient Greek literature, Xenophon mentioned beer in his Anabasis, while Sophocles mentioned it but only in the context of staying away from it.

Although beer was considered inferior to wine, it was still consumed in ancient Greece and played a role in their culture and society.

Beer was imported

While beer was consumed in Ancient Greece, it was not as popular as wine, which was the dominant alcoholic beverage of that time. In fact, the Ancient Greeks considered beer to be an inferior beverage, associating it with Northern Europe, where the "barbarians" lived. As such, beer was likely imported into Greece, and there is evidence to suggest that imported blonde ale was a particular favourite at large festivals.

The ancient Greeks had a god of wine, Dionysius, which further highlights the importance of wine in Ancient Greek culture. However, beer was also linked to Dionysius, as it was incorporated into his domain, possibly through his identification with the Thracian corn deity Sabazius.

Beer is the result of fermenting various grains, such as malt and barley, with yeast, and it is highly likely that the Ancient Greeks knew how to brew beer themselves. Archaeological excavations have exposed artefacts and materials used for beer production in Greece dating back to the Bronze Age (3300 to 1200 BC). Evidence of this has been found at sites in Archondiko and Agrissa, where archaeologists discovered the remains of buildings that may have been used for brewing beer.

Despite this knowledge, beer never achieved the same level of popularity in Ancient Greece as it did in other places, such as Northern Europe. Instead, the Ancient Greeks preferred wine, and as beer was associated with Northern Europe, they found it difficult to enjoy a beverage created by the "barbarians".

Beer was mentioned in ancient Greek literature

The Greek general and writer Xenophon mentions beer in his work "Anabasis", describing it as a ""wine made from barley in great big bowls". He notes that the beverage was ""very strong" and had "a delicious flavour to certain palates", but that "the taste must be acquired".

The playwright Sophocles also refers to beer, recommending moderation in its consumption. Greek historian Polybius mentions "barley wine" in his work "The Histories", stating that the Phaeacians kept it in silver and golden kraters.

In addition to these writers, archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient Greeks drank beer. Excavations have uncovered artefacts and materials used for beer production dating back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE). Sites at Archondiko and Agrissa in Greece have revealed potential breweries, with evidence of sprouted cereal grains and special cups that may have been used for drinking beer.

Frequently asked questions