Sumerian Civilization (3500 BCE - 1900 BCE):
1. Nutrition: Beer was a major source of nutrition, especially for the working class. It provided carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and was often consumed with bread or other foods.
2. Religious Ceremonies: Beer was considered a sacred libation in Sumerian religious rituals. It was offered to the gods and used in purification rites and festivals. Priests would pour beer as offerings to the gods and drink it during religious ceremonies.
3. Social Gatherings: Beer was an essential part of social occasions, such as weddings and feasts. It was consumed during communal gatherings and was seen as a symbol of hospitality.
4. Trade and Economy: Beer was used as a commodity for trade and exchange in the Sumerian economy. It was traded for goods and services and was often used as payment for workers' wages.
Egyptian Civilization (3100 BCE - 332 BCE):
1. Daily Beverage: Beer was a daily beverage for people from all social classes in ancient Egypt. It was commonly consumed during meals and was often mixed with water or flavorings.
2. Religious Rituals: Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also used beer in religious rituals. It was offered to the gods and goddesses and played a role in funerary rites. Egyptians believed that beer was necessary for the deceased's journey to the afterlife.
3. Food Preservation: Beer was used as a preservative in ancient Egypt. It was used to store and transport perishable foods, such as meat and fish, and was also added to bread to extend its shelf life.
4. Medicine: Beer was believed to have medicinal properties in ancient Egypt. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, headaches, and skin conditions.
5. Economic Activity: Beer was produced on a large scale in Egypt, and it played a significant role in the economy. Breweries were established, and beer was traded and sold.
Overall, beer was an integral part of the Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations, serving various purposes from nutrition to religious rituals, social interactions, economic activities, and even medicine.