Archaeologists have discovered a 3,600-year-old piece of cheese in an ancient Egyptian tomb, shedding new light on the history of cheese-making. The cheese was found in a tomb in Saqqara, and is believed to be the oldest cheese ever discovered.
This finding is significant as it provides insight into the dietary habits of ancient Egyptians, as well as the techniques they used to produce cheese. The discovery also highlights the importance of cheese in ancient civilizations, as it was likely used as a staple food source.
The cheese was found in a jar alongside other food items, including meat and bread, indicating that it was a common food item in ancient Egypt. Analysis of the cheese revealed that it was made from a mixture of cow milk and sheep or goat milk, further highlighting the diversity of cheese-making techniques used in ancient times.
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests cheese-making dates back much further than previously thought. It also highlights the importance of dairy products in ancient societies, providing new insights into the culinary practices of the past.
The 3,600-year-old cheese will be further studied by archaeologists and scientists in order to better understand the process of cheese-making in ancient Egypt. This finding serves as a reminder of the rich history of culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the importance of preserving and studying these ancient artifacts.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com