Drunk On History

lauren_dogaer

Drunk On History is a podcast that explores humanity’s complex relationship with alcohol — from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Rome, Mesoamerica, India, China, and beyond. Together with experts, I dive into how ancient civilizations used, abused, and understood alcohol. How did the ancients manage the age-old question of “How much is too much?” What laws or moral codes tried to curb excess? What can warnings on drinking cups or ancient myths about intoxication tell us about moderation and society? Pour yourself a glass and join me on a journey through time!

Episodes

  1. 26 MAR

    Beer in Bronze Age Mesopotamia

    In this fascinating episode, host Lauren Dogaer sits down with Professor Tate Paulette of North Carolina State University, a leading expert in ancient urban food systems and Mesopotamian archaeology. Together, they explore the world of ancient Mesopotamia - often called the cradle of civilization - where the first cities, states, and writing systems emerged around 3000 BC. Tate unpacks the complexities of the region’s identity, from its modern name shaped by colonial history to the rich tapestry of languages and scripts such as cuneiform, Sumerian, and Akkadian. The conversation then turns to a topic both ancient and surprisingly relatable: beer. Drawing on his book In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia, Tate shares his hands-on journey recreating Sumerian brewing practices using ancient ingredients and techniques - including the enigmatic bappir, a key component of Mesopotamian beer. Beyond the brewing process, the episode dives into the cultural significance of beer in Mesopotamian society. From its role in daily life and social rituals to its appearance in literature like the Epic of Gilgamesh, beer emerges as far more than a simple drink - it was a cornerstone of community, culture, and even moral storytelling. This episode offers a rich and refreshing look at how one of humanity’s oldest beverages shaped life in one of its earliest civilizations. More on Tate's Sumerian brewing experiments can be found here: Brewing up something Ancient & Human Factor Speaking Series: Alton Brown

    44 min

  2. 24 FEB

    The Social Construct of Alcohol through the Ages

    In the inaugural episode of Drunk on History, we’re joined by renowned anthropologist Prof. Michael Dietler for a deep dive into the complex social life of alcohol. Far from being just a beverage, alcohol has long been a powerful cultural force. Professor Dietler unpacks how different societies across history have defined alcohol, ritualized its consumption, and embedded it into systems of identity, power, and belief. From ancient Mediterranean feasting traditions to broader cross-cultural exchanges, this conversation reveals how drinking practices are shaped as much by politics and economics as by taste. Blending archaeology, anthropology, and social theory, this episode challenges modern assumptions about alcohol by placing it in a broader historical framework. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, cultural history, or the politics of pleasure, this conversation invites you to see alcohol not just as a drink — but as a defining element of human society. Pour a glass and join me as we get Drunk on History. 🍷

    37 min

  3. TRAILER

    Show Intro

    I am Lauren Dogaer, an Ancient Historian and Egyptologist. Fascinated by history and the ancient world, I truly believe we can learn something valuable from the societies that came before us. So I thought — why not get Drunk on History? Drunk on History is a podcast that explores humanity’s complex relationship with alcohol — from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Rome, Mesoamerica, India, China, and beyond. Together with experts, I dive into how ancient civilizations used, abused, and understood alcohol. How did the ancients manage the age-old question of “How much is too much?” What laws or moral codes tried to curb excess? What can warnings on drinking cups or ancient myths about intoxication tell us about moderation and society? Pour yourself a glass and join me on a journey through time — uncovering how drinking shaped cultures, rituals, and stories throughout the ages.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Drunk On History is a podcast that explores humanity’s complex relationship with alcohol — from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Rome, Mesoamerica, India, China, and beyond. Together with experts, I dive into how ancient civilizations used, abused, and understood alcohol. How did the ancients manage the age-old question of “How much is too much?” What laws or moral codes tried to curb excess? What can warnings on drinking cups or ancient myths about intoxication tell us about moderation and society? Pour yourself a glass and join me on a journey through time!

Information

  • Creator
    lauren_dogaer
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © lauren_dogaer
  • Show Website
    Drunk On History

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