American and Egyptian archaeologists have discovered what may be the oldest known beer factory.
The ancient brewery was found in Abydos, an old burial ground situated in the desert west of the Nile River about 280 miles away. It dates back to the era when King Narmer was widely known for his contribution to the unification of ancient Egypt. The unification took place between 3150 BC-2163 BC&mdashthe First Dynamic Period.
Reportedly, eight enormous units were found by the archaeologists, each about 65 feet long and 8 feet broad, and all the units comprised some 40 pottery basins in two rows, which were used to heat a mixture of beer-producing grains and water.
Dr. Matthew Adams of the Academy of Fine Arts, New York University, and Deborah Vischak, assistant professor of ancient Egyptian art history and archaeology at Princeton University, are co-chairing the joint project.
The factory was probably built in this region to supply beer for royal ceremonies because archaeologists found evidence indicating the use of beer in sacrificial rites of ancient Egyptians, said Adams.
In the early 1900s, British historians were the first ones to observe the beer factory&rsquos traces, however, back then the antiques ministry couldn&rsquot decide on its location.
In ancient Egypt, Abydos was widely popular for its monuments honouring Osiris, ancient Egypt&rsquos god of the underworld. In all periods of early Egyptian culture, from the Prehistoric Era to Roman times, the necropolis was used.
In the past few years, Egypt has announced hundreds of ancient finds in the hope of attracting more visitors.