Beer or wine? Lauren Dogaer and Jacob Damm explore ancient brewing in the Levant, from scientific analysis and Philistine jars to yayin and shekar, revealing why archaeology, science, and texts must come together.
In the eighth episode of Drunk On History, host Lauren Dogaer talks with Jacob Damm, archaeologist and specialist in the ancient Levant, to explore the long and fascinating history of alcohol production and consumption in the region.
Together, they examine archaeological evidence for brewing, from some of the earliest possible evidence at Raqefet Cave to Egyptian brewing traditions preserved at Jaffa and Iron Age fermentation technology. The conversation also explores how modern assumptions have shaped our understanding of ancient drinking cultures. Jacob discusses the debate over Philistine “beer jars,” the scientific analysis of ancient yeast, and why the distinction between beer and wine may not have been as clear-cut in the ancient world as we often assume. Lauren and Jacob then turn to the Hebrew Bible, exploring stories of Noah and Lot, as well as the biblical terms yayin and shekar. The episode highlights why combining archaeological, scientific, and textual evidence is essential to building a fuller understanding of ancient drinking cultures.
