Chapter 4
In this first chapter dedicated to civilizations, we focus on Mesopotamia, the first civilization, which was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Unfortunately for our interest in wine, we find that beer was a much more popular beverage. Nevertheless, during this period we encounter a prominent character in the history of winemaking: Sargon, possibly the first sommelier. We also explore the first millennia of the civilization of Ancient Egypt, where wine was highly prized by the upper classes. In order to make wine, a substance that symbolised immortality and resurrection, the Egyptians had to import the vine. This resulted in the formation of the first wine trade routes between Egypt and Jordan. We conclude the chapter with the Minoans, a civilization that was advanced in winemaking knowledge.
