History Extra Podcast Summary
Episode: Drink, Dance, Death: Wine in Ancient Egypt
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Host: Matt Elton
Guest: Islam Issa, Professor of Literature and History at Birmingham City University

Introduction

In this episode of the History Extra podcast, host Matt Elton delves into the intricate role that wine played in ancient Egyptian society. Joined by Professor Islam Issa, the discussion explores the historical, cultural, and technological significance of wine, uncovering its multifaceted presence from religious rituals to everyday life.

Early Evidence of Winemaking

[03:14] Islam Issa: "Wine is included in tombs as early as the fourth millennium BC."

Professor Issa begins by highlighting the earliest evidence of winemaking in ancient Egypt, dating back to the fourth millennium BCE. He references tombs in Abydos, such as those of King Scorpions, which contained hundreds of pots or jars of wine, indicating its importance even in burial practices. These findings coincide with the earliest Egyptian writings, suggesting a deep-rooted connection between wine and the nascent stages of Egyptian civilization.

Symbolic and Ritual Significance

[04:54] Islam Issa: "We don't really see too much evidence that it's consumed all day, every day, by commoners. But it seems very important with the belief in the afterlife..."

Wine held profound religious significance, particularly among the elite. It was believed to sustain the dead in the afterlife, reflecting the Egyptians' intricate beliefs surrounding death and resurrection. The unification of Egypt, marked by the transition from King Scorpions to Naadma and the establishment of Memphis as the capital, coincided with the rise of winemaking, underscoring its symbolic importance in a unified society.

The Festival of Drunkenness

[19:02] Islam Issa: "The festival of drunkenness was a New Year's event... Sekhmet begins to destroy everything and anything and is on the verge of destroying the whole of humanity."

One of the most captivating discussions centers on the Festival of Drunkenness, a New Year's celebration inspired by the myth of Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess. According to the myth, Sekhmet's rampage against humanity was halted by deities who poured red-dyed wine across the land. Mistaking it for blood, Sekhmet became intoxicated and ceased her destruction. The festival commemorates this event through communal drinking, dancing, and music, serving both as a remembrance and as a means to appease the gods.

Funerary Rites and Mummification

[21:03] Islam Issa: "Palm wine is abundant, so they begin to use palm wine for this process. So they rinse the body with a mixture of water and wine..."

Wine was integral to the mummification process, used both for its antiseptic properties and its symbolic value. During mummification, the body was cleansed with mixtures of water and wine, and organs were stored separately in wine-laden jars. This not only preserved the body but also ensured the deceased had sustenance in the afterlife. The meticulous process, including the "weighing of the heart" ceremony, underscored wine's role in both the physical preservation and spiritual journey of the departed.

Wine in Medicine

[24:58] Islam Issa: "Wine is used as medicine for a long time in Egypt... treating infections like an anesthetic, an antiseptic, a sedative."

Beyond its cultural and religious significance, wine was a staple in ancient Egyptian medicine. It was incorporated into various medicinal recipes, serving purposes such as an anesthetic, antiseptic, and sedative. Influenced by Hippocratic practices, wine was mixed with herbs and other substances to create remedies for ailments ranging from fevers to menstrual discomfort. This medicinal use highlights the versatile role of wine in everyday Egyptian life.

Spread and Trade of Egyptian Wine

[27:22] Islam Issa: "The Ptolemies... had a sort of mercantile economic plan... Wine is part of that process."

Egypt's wine production evolved from a local practice to a significant export commodity, especially after the founding of Alexandria in the 4th century BCE. Under the Ptolemies, Alexandria became a global trade hub, exporting wine alongside olive oil and papyrus. Traces of Egyptian wine have been found as far as Sicily and Marseille, illustrating the widespread influence and demand for Egyptian viticulture.

The Tomb of Tutankhamun

[29:24] Islam Issa: "We have jars of wine inscribed, described with the name of the winemaker... eight jars of Cedda, the most exclusive wine."

Tutankhamun's tomb serves as a quintessential example of the prominence of wine in funerary practices. Over 5,000 items were discovered, including numerous jars of both red and white wine, some inscribed with the names of winemakers and production dates. Notably, two wine jars were placed around the pharaoh's body in the burial chamber, symbolizing wine's vital role in the afterlife. These findings underscore the sophistication and ceremonial importance of winemaking in ancient Egypt.

Technological Innovations in Winemaking

[31:23] Islam Issa: "Heron of Alexandria... create the first vending machine... self-filling wine bowl that never ceases."

Alexandria, renowned for its library and museum, was also a center for technological innovation related to winemaking. Innovations included automated dispensing systems like the first vending machine and self-filling wine bowls, reflecting the blend of practicality and ceremonial significance. These advancements not only improved the efficiency of wine production but also enhanced its sacred and communal uses.

Conclusion: Cultural Reflection

[34:05] Islam Issa: "There's something curious about the way in which the everyday links to the ritualistic and how everything has a deeper meaning."

Wine in ancient Egypt was more than a mere beverage; it was a symbol interwoven with every aspect of life, from daily practices to profound religious rituals. The Egyptians' reverence for wine reflected their broader appreciation for life, their gods, and the intricate balance between the mundane and the sacred. This multifaceted relationship with wine offers a profound glimpse into the values and complexities of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Additional Resources

For a more in-depth exploration, Islam Issa authored a feature on this subject for the May issue of BBC History Magazine, available on HistoryExtra.com.

Produced by: Daniel Kramer Arden
Recorded with: Matt Elton and Islam Issa
Podcast Series: History Extra podcast by Immediate Media