Philadelphia: Ancient Alcohol Tour & Beer Tasting

Philadelphia’s rich history of alcohol culture comes alive on this captivating 1.5-hour tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will uncover ancient artifacts and drinking vessels, including one of the oldest known wine jars. Delving into the intriguing drinking customs of ancient Greece and Egypt, the tour offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and ritualistic significance of fermented beverages. With insights from a Penn Museum biomolecular archaeologist and a complimentary beer tasting, this wheelchair-accessible experience promises to transport visitors back in time and leave them eager to learn more about Philadelphia’s storied alcohol heritage.

Key Points

• Explore Philadelphia’s rich history of alcohol through a 1.5-hour guided tour examining ancient artifacts, drinking vessels, and Greek drinking customs.
• Learn about Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife and a biomolecular archaeologist’s studies on the cultural significance of fermented beverages.
• Discover one of the oldest known wine jars, a queen’s golden beer straw, and rare drinking vessels from King Midas’ banquet in ancient Greece.
• Experience ancient Greek drinking games like kottabos and libation rituals, as well as the raucous symposia and komos processions.
• Priced at €45.20 per person, the wheelchair-accessible tour includes a professional guide, admission ticket, and beer tasting voucher, with the meeting point at the Penn Museum.

Tour Overview

The Ancient Alcohol Tour & Beer Tasting in Philadelphia offers visitors a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s rich history of alcohol, led by a live tour guide who presents the content in English.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to participate. Highlights include examining ancient artifacts and drinking vessels, learning about ancient Greek drinking games and libation served at King Midas’ banquet, as well as discovering Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife.

The tour also includes a voucher for a beer tasting, allowing participants to experience the modern side of Philadelphia’s alcohol culture.

Booking is available online, with prices starting from €45.20 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors can explore ancient artifacts and drinking vessels on this tour, providing a glimpse into the alcohol-related practices of past civilizations.

Guests will learn about ancient Greek drinking games and the libation served at King Midas’ banquet. They’ll also examine one of the oldest wine jars and a queen’s golden beer straw.

Attendees will discover Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife, as well as studies by a Penn Museum biomolecular archaeologist.

This immersive experience allows participants to explore the fascinating history of alcohol consumption across various ancient cultures, providing a unique and educational perspective on the topic.

Exploring Ancient Artifacts

One of the highlights of the Ancient Alcohol Tour is the opportunity to explore a diverse array of ancient artifacts and drinking vessels, offering a glimpse into the alcohol-related practices of past civilizations.

Participants can examine one of the oldest known wine jars, as well as a remarkable golden beer straw that belonged to an Egyptian queen.

The tour also delves into the ancient Greek drinking games and libations served at King Midas’ legendary banquet.

Visitors will be fascinated by the Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife, shedding light on the cultural significance of alcohol consumption in these ancient societies.

The tour provides a unique chance to plunge into the studies of a Penn Museum biomolecular archaeologist, further enriching the experience.

Ancient Greek Drinking Customs

Ancient Greek drinking customs often revolved around raucous symposia, where participants engaged in competitive drinking games and libation rituals to honor the gods. These festive gatherings were as much about socialization as they were about imbibing.

Kottabos was a popular game where participants flung the dregs of their wine at targets, often depicting the face of a lover or rival.

Komos, or processions, involved rowdy groups of revelers parading through the streets, often with flute players and dancers in tow.

Philotesia, or ‘friendship toasts,’ strengthened social bonds as guests took turns proposing toasts to one another.

Libations, or offerings of wine, were poured out to the gods before and during feasts, ensuring divine favor.

Examining Historic Drinking Vessels

The Penn Museum’s collection showcases an array of historic drinking vessels, from one of the oldest known wine jars to a queen’s golden beer straw, providing insights into the drinking customs of bygone eras. Visitors can examine a striking example of an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife, as well as a rare drinking vessel from King Midas’ banquet in ancient Greece, which would have been used for libations. The tour also highlights studies by a Penn Museum biomolecular archaeologist, shedding light on the composition and origins of these remarkable artifacts.

Historic Drinking Vessels	Description
Ancient Wine Jar	One of the oldest known wine jars
Queen’s Golden Beer Straw	Elaborately decorated drinking straw used by a queen
Hieroglyph of Afterlife Rations	Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph depicting alcohol rations for the afterlife

Discovering Egyptian Alcohol Rations

Hieroglyphs discovered at the Penn Museum provide a glimpse into the alcohol rations allocated for the afterlife in ancient Egyptian society. These sacred texts reveal intriguing insights into the significance of alcohol in the Egyptian conception of the afterlife.

Elaborate funeral rituals often included the provision of beer and wine to sustain the deceased in the next life.

Pharaohs and nobility were sometimes buried with their favorite alcoholic beverages, reflecting the importance of these libations in the afterlife.

Inscriptions indicate that alcohol rations were earmarked for temple personnel and the deceased, underscoring its sacred role in Egyptian funerary practices.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the type and quantity of alcohol rations were tied to the social status of the individual, highlighting the stratified nature of Egyptian society.

Studies by a Biomolecular Archaeologist

A Penn Museum biomolecular archaeologist has delved into groundbreaking studies that shed light on the intricate role of alcohol in ancient Egyptian society. By examining organic residues found in ancient drinking vessels, the archaeologist has uncovered fascinating insights. The research reveals that various fermented beverages, including beer and wine, were not merely recreational, but held profound cultural and ritualistic significance. A table summarizes the key findings:

Beverage	Purpose	Significance
Beer	Sustenance	Rations for the afterlife
Wine	Offerings	Libations for the gods
Mead	Ceremonies	Honoring the dead

These groundbreaking studies offer a deeper understanding of how alcohol was interwoven into the fabric of ancient Egyptian life and belief systems.

Booking and Pricing Information

Booking the Ancient Alcohol Tour & Beer Tasting in Philadelphia starts from €45.20 per person. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay later, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is available in English and is wheelchair accessible.

Guests can enjoy a professional guide, admission ticket, and a voucher for beer tasting.

The meeting point for the tour is at the Penn Museum Main Entrance next to the Sphinx.

Booking can be done through the tour provider’s website, offering a convenient and flexible option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Drinks to the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own drinks on the tour. The tour includes a beer tasting voucher, and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The tour focuses on the history and artifacts related to ancient alcohol consumption.

Is the Tour Appropriate for Children?

The tour is tailored for adults and may not be appropriate for children. It focuses on the history of ancient alcohol consumption, which may not be suitable educational content for minors. Parental discretion is advised.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, guests will receive a full refund. The tour operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to accommodate any unexpected changes in the weather forecast.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally permitted to take photos during the tour, unless otherwise specified by the guide. Photography adds to the experience and allows participants to capture memories from the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no dress code for the tour. Guests can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus of the experience is on exploring ancient artifacts and learning about the history of alcohol, not on formal attire.

Recap

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Philadelphia’s rich history of alcohol through ancient artifacts and insights from a Penn Museum expert.

Visitors can discover fascinating customs and drinking vessels from ancient Greece and Egypt, while also enjoying a beer tasting experience.

At €45.20 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides a captivating look into the cultural and ritualistic significance of fermented beverages in the past.