Is partying with buddies in pubs and lounge bars your favourite way to unwind? Do those nosy neighbours and poky relatives pass judgmental remarks on you and your pals, saying it is all under the evil spell of modernism? Then you have this news to shut their mouths. It appears that dining out and pubbing were as hit 5,000 years ago as it is today. The evidence for it came to light when archaeologists in Iraq discovered a 2,700 BCE-era tavern. The bar was located by researchers working in the ancient city of Lagash. Even we are zapped to know about it. Let's find out what the 5000-year-old tavern looked like.
Location and design of the ancient inn
The waterhole in question was only 19 inches below the surface. It was divided into two sections: an open-air dining area and a room with benches. They also came across a massive oven, ancient food remains, and even a 5,000-year-old fridge. A mysterious open courtyard caught the attention of the researchers while excavating the site, which eventually led to this tavern.
The excavation site at Lagash, Image Source: Lagash Archaeology Project, CNN
Food and drink links
The excavators later found a large, moisture-wicking, archaic fridge to store food cold. They also unearthed dozens of conical serving dishes, many of which had fish remains. Such remnants disclosed the courtyard's intended use as an alfresco dining space. Isn't that incredible?
The backstory of Lagash and excavation
The unearthing of this bar hints at the sordid history of this primordial city. The discovery of a tavern reinforces the idea that ancient society was not divided into aristocrats and captives, as was previously assumed, but instead had an archaic middle class. They were not subject to the oppression of monarchs. The existence of this 5000-year-old tavern suggests the alleged middle class had a public community space where they could relax and have a drink and fish meal.
Ancient inn interiors, Image Source: iStock
One of the biggest and oldest cities in southern Mesopotamia was Lagash, now known as al-Hiba. It is now a significant archaeological site. The excavations were recently renewed in 2019 as part of a collaborative initiative with the University of Cambridge, the Penn Museum, and the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage in Baghdad. This project employed advanced tools like drone imagery and genetic analysis.
Would you like to know about this 5000-year-old tavern? We hope to get more information..