In southern Iraq, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a restaurant believed to be nearly 5,000 years old. An American-Italian team made the discovery in the ruins of the ancient city of Lagash, already known as one of the first urban centers of the Sumerian civilization in ancient Iraq.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the University of Pisa (Italy) discovered the remains of a primitive refrigeration system, a large oven, benches for guests and some 150 serving dishes. Fish and animal bones were also found in the bowls, as well as evidence of the widespread consumption of beer among the Sumerians.
The finds would indicate “that ancient Sumerians and Mesopotamian civilizations were frequenting restaurants and bars as early as 5,000 BC,” said Shamil Ibrahim, director of the Antiquities Authority in the nearby city of Nasiriyah. The discovery also “enriches our understanding of how pottery and clay dolls are made,” he added.
The discovery comes amid a resurgence in archeology in Iraq, often referred to as the “cradle of civilization,” but where archaeological research has been hampered by decades of conflict before and after the 2003 US invasion. has been quiet, the excavations have resumed.
“Beer was the most popular drink among Sumerians”
According to the researchers, ordinary people used to come to the restaurant. “We call it a tavern because beer was by far the most popular drink among the Sumerians,” project leader Holly Pittman told AFP, noting that a beer recipe had been found on a cuneiform tablet in one of the temples excavated in the area.
Iraq is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cosmopolitan city of Babylon, one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. It flourished under such rulers as King Nebuchadnezzar (1126 to 1104 BC) and King Hammurabi I (1792 to 1750 BC).
Source: Krone
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