In this episode, we uncover the fascinating tale of the “Sabaiarius,” an ancient Roman insult meaning “beer man.”

Centered on Emperor Valens and his 4th-century struggle against rebellion, this story reveals how something as simple as a drink could carry profound cultural and political weight.

Drawing from Denis Aldino’s research, we explore how beer symbolized barbarism and social inferiority in Roman society, contrasting sharply with wine, the drink of the elite.

We’ll delve into how this insult was weaponized against Valens to undermine his legitimacy as emperor, exposing deep-seated anxieties about Roman identity and the growing East-West divide within the empire.

Along the way, we’ll unpack the perspectives of Ammianus Marcellinus, the historian who chronicled these events, and consider how drink preferences reflected broader societal prejudices.

Join us for an intriguing look at how beer and identity intertwined in ancient Rome—and how these associations echo in modern stereotypes about drinks and status. Cheers to history, culture, and the surprising stories behind what we drink!

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected and dramatic history of American adjunct lager. Often dismissed as “basic,” this beer style has a legacy that’s anything but simple. Drawing from Gregory Paul Casey’s research, we uncover how lager evolved from a niche import to the nation’s favorite drink, transforming the brewing industry along the way.

From its rise in popularity during the 19th century to the heated battles in Congress over its very definition, we’ll explore how brewers faced down powerful opponents to defend their craft. Discover how innovations like the use of rice and corn revolutionized beer brewing, creating a lighter, crisper style perfectly suited to American tastes and climate. This is a story of resilience, innovation, and the fight for consumer choice—one that still shapes the beer landscape today.

Whether you’re a beer lover, history buff, or curious about the cultural significance of everyday drinks, this episode sheds new light on the humble lager and its place in American history.

In this episode, we step into the rich history of brewing in medieval England, guided by Kristen D. Burton’s thesis, “The Citie Calls for Beere.” We’ll start with the staple of English life: unhopped ale, traditionally brewed by women, or “brewsters,” who dominated the trade. But when hops arrived on the scene, it sparked a transformation that shifted English brewing from domestic ale to the hopped beer we know today.

We’ll discuss how this change impacted brewing practices, the social roles of brewers, and government regulation, ultimately setting the stage for a more industrialized, commercially driven brewing industry in London. This episode offers a compelling look at how a single ingredient reshaped the brewing landscape, transforming it into one of England’s earliest industries. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a history lover, this conversation brings to life the roots of modern brewing.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of beer in Asia and how it became intertwined with modernity, nationalism, and cultural identity in India, Japan, and China. Based on a compelling research paper, we discuss how beer, initially spread by colonial forces and imperial competition, evolved into much more than a foreign import—it became a symbol of both imperial power and national pride.

Join us as we examine how European beer was embraced and adapted by different Asian societies, sometimes representing imperial dominance, but often serving as a marker of modern aspiration and evolving consumer culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or curious about global cultural exchanges, this episode offers a rich perspective on how beer helped shape modern identities in Asia.

In this episode, we uncover the shocking and tragic story of the London Beer Flood of 1814, a bizarre catastrophe that devastated the city’s streets. When a massive vat of fermenting porter burst at the Horse Shoe Brewery, it unleashed a tidal wave of beer that destroyed homes and claimed the lives of eight people.

We’ll dive into the details of the disaster, exploring how it happened, the aftermath for the brewery, and how this event led to the gradual phasing out of large wooden vats in the brewing industry. Whether you’re fascinated by strange historical events or curious about the evolution of brewing practices, this episode offers a sobering look at an extraordinary moment in beer history.

In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship between alcohol and Muslim societies, based on an insightful thematic issue introduced by Philippe Bourmaud and Nessim Znaien. Delving into over five centuries of history, we challenge the simplistic view of alcohol prohibition as purely a religious matter. Instead, we examine how the regulation of alcohol has been shaped by state-building, colonialism, and globalization, serving as a tool for controlling populations.

We’ll journey through key historical periods—from the Ottoman Empire to the colonial era and the rise of 20th-century Islamic reform movements—while also exploring different regions like the Maghreb, the Balkans, and the Arabian Peninsula. Throughout, we’ll consider how factors like gender, class, and social norms influenced drinking practices and policies.

This episode offers a nuanced look at the evolving role of alcohol regulation in Muslim societies, revealing its deep ties to power, politics, and culture. Whether you’re interested in Islamic history, social dynamics, or the politics of prohibition, this conversation provides a multifaceted perspective on an often misunderstood topic.

In this episode, we journey back to ancient Greece and Rome to explore how people of the time explained the age-old phenomenon of drunkenness. Drawing from a fascinating article, we unpack three prevailing theories: the “human cause” (linked to individual physiology), the “wine cause” (blaming the properties of wine itself), and the “divine cause,” which credited Dionysus, the god of wine, for its intoxicating effects.

We’ll dive into the writings of Aristotle, Plato, Galen, and Pliny the Elder, examining how their thoughts on drunkenness mirrored the scientific and religious beliefs of their eras. Ultimately, we’ll explore why the divine cause—the intervention of Dionysus—was so widely accepted as a satisfying explanation for the unpredictable effects of wine. Whether you’re interested in ancient philosophy, history, or the cultural roots of wine, this episode offers a fascinating look into how ancient minds grappled with intoxication.

Learn More, Read The Original Paper: https://www.academia.edu/4170928/Daimon_Drink_Ancient_Greek_and_Roman_Explanations_of_Drunkenness

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the captivating history of Egypt’s beer industry from 1880 to 1970, based on a thought-provoking dissertation. We explore how the development of modern beer production in Egypt was far more than just an import of Western practices. Instead, it was a complex process that intertwined technological innovation, cultural adaptation, and political conflict, ultimately reflecting the broader shifts in Egyptian society, culture, and economy.

Join us as we unpack how beer became a symbol of modernity, influencing social class and identity within Egyptian society. We’ll also examine the effects of colonialism and globalization on local brewing, the rise of economic nationalism, and the political changes that impacted the industry—from the Free Officers Movement to Nasser’s Arab Socialist policies. Plus, we’ll discuss the fascinating technological advancements in brewing and how they clashed or aligned with cultural values.

This episode offers a unique lens on Egypt’s transformations during this critical period, revealing the power struggles between foreign investors, Egyptian entrepreneurs, and the government over control of the beer industry. Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of cultural studies, or just curious about the unexpected connections between beer and politics, this discussion offers rich insights into Egypt’s past.

Learn more in the paper we discuss: https://www.academia.edu/92558351/Grand_Plans_in_Glass_Bottles_The_Economic_Social_and_Technological_History_of_Beer_in_Egypt_1880_1970

In this episode, we pop the tab on the unexpected world of beer cans and their value in archaeology. Drawing from D.B.S. Maxwell’s article, “Beer Cans: A Guide for the Archaeologist,” we explore how the evolution of beer can designs—from punch-tops to aluminum—offers a fascinating tool for dating archaeological sites. Discover how slight changes in can shape, style, and construction over time can help archaeologists pinpoint the age of unearthed cans with surprising precision.

We’ll break down the technological innovations and design shifts that transformed beer cans into time capsules, and why they’ve become a critical resource for researchers studying both historical and more recent sites. Whether you’re passionate about archaeology or just love a good beer, this episode serves up a fresh perspective on how everyday objects can unlock the past.

Learn more in todays paper: https://www.academia.edu/1262043/Beer_Cans_A_Guide_for_the_Archaeologist

In this episode, we set sail into the gripping history of scurvy and the forgotten remedies that could have saved countless lives. Based on Christian Berger’s research, we explore how Viking sailors in the 9th century discovered a potent cure for scurvy—malt infusion—only for it to be lost to European naval authorities for centuries. Join us as we dive into the devastating impact of scurvy on European sailors during the age of exploration, the painful trial-and-error process of rediscovering remedies like malt and lemon juice, and the cultural differences between European and Asian maritime health practices.

We also uncover the socio-political and economic reasons why these lifesaving cures were ignored for so long, shedding light on the darker side of European exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, fascinated by maritime lore, or intrigued by the intersection of health and politics, this episode reveals a crucial yet often overlooked chapter of seafaring history.

Want to know more?

Check out the paper we discussed: https://www.beer-studies.com/documents-pdf/Ch.BERGER-Malt_and_beer_cures_for_scurvy_afflicting_European_sailors_2016_rev_2022.pdf