Brewing beer dates back to at least the 5th millennium BC in Mesopotamia and spread globally through trade or independent development in various ancient civilizations before arriving in medieval Europe. Initially a domestic task, beer production later scaled up in taverns and monasteries.
While it's largely a myth that beer was generally safer than the often plentiful fresh water available on land, it was a vital provision for seafarers. Long before rum rations, weak beer was standard on navy ships because fresh water sources were inaccessible at sea. Beer offered sailors necessary calories and nutrition, was safer than potentially contaminated stored water, and could help soften hard bread during long voyages.
Brewing beer dates back to at least the 5th millennium BC in Mesopotamia and spread globally through trade or independent development in various ancient civilizations before arriving in medieval Europe. Initially a domestic task, beer production later scaled up in taverns and monasteries.
While it's largely a myth that beer was generally safer than the often plentiful fresh water available on land, it was a vital provision for seafarers. Long before rum rations, weak beer was standard on navy ships because fresh water sources were inaccessible at sea. Beer offered sailors necessary calories and nutrition, was safer than potentially contaminated stored water, and could help soften hard bread during long voyages.