Beekeeping in ancient times

Prehistoric findings provide evidence of apiculture practice and honey exploitation from all around the world. Here however the focus is briefly over the wider Mediterranean region. In this period, it becomes evident that besides being a main form of nourishment, honey also had a prominent position in religious worship, fabrication of medicine, ointments, perfumes, drinks and beverages. Gradually at that stage honey began to be traded among different countries. In Mesopotamia, the area where the first organized societies started to flourish, we have the first recordings (2700 BC) of the pharmaceutical and alimental value of honey. Also in ancient Egypt, the earliest evidence of systematic Apiculture existence have been discovered, including “clusters” of cylindrical clay beehives.