In ancient Mesopotamia, people invent straws to better enjoy their favourite tipple. The Romans turn their noses up at barbarian beverages. The introduction of hops to brewing sparks a beer-based battle of the sexes. And Prohibition in America leads to the production of potentially deadly drinks… A Noiser production, written by Nicole Edmunds. For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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It's around 11,000 BC and we're on the wild plains of the Levant region in the eastern Mediterranean in what is now Israel.
The sun beats down on the arid ground, scorching the crumbling rocks and bleaching the grass a light shade of brown.
Rainfall here is rare, but the sight of a few green shoots underfoot means that there must have been a storm a few days ago.
Suddenly, we hear footsteps in the distance.
Turning around, we see a group of 10 or so men running effortlessly across the plains.
Their long hair flies behind and their chests are bare save for the bow and arrows slung across their chests.
Some also wear pendants carved from limestone or bone.
The only clothing they wear is a short tunic tied in a knot around their waists.
They are the Natufian people, and these sparse plains are their home.
Without warning, Natufian man at the front comes to an abrupt halt.
His men fall into place behind and follow his gaze.
In the distance, perhaps a few hundred meters away, barely obscured by the scrubby bushes, is a gazelle.
No words are needed.
The hunters know instinctively what to do.