If history has taught us anything, it is that human beings are willing to go to any lengths to achieve a source of alcohol. In the earliest part of human society, we literally leaped from the trees to retrieved rotten fruit on the forest floor. During the peak of civilization, the Ancient Greeks worshipped drunken revelry as a means to appease Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. Even the ancient Egyptians understood the potential for a brewing industry and developed a system before the Pyramids were built. Long after people sought alcohol for health benefits, they were finding new ways to drink large quantities of these tangy, mind-altering drinks. So why did this happen to begin with? Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about excessive alcohol use in human history.
Celtic Ceremony
In recent years, a team of archaeologists and students discovered interesting proof of early alcohol abuse at Corent, an archaeological site located in central France. Nestled among the extinct Massif Central volcanoes, the site was home to an estimated 10,000 people during the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., and contained a variety of buildings including a temple, a theater, hundreds of homes, and (of course) a tavern. Overall, researchers believe this site is a prime example of how humans viewed alcoholic drinks as a social glue, as well as an instigator of violence.
During approximately 140 B.C. (80 years before the invasion of Julius Caesar), the elite members of Corent society had developed a deep-rooted passion for Roman wines, and there is no better evidence than the plethora of shattered jars (amphorae) littered about the ancient site. During their time spent there, archaeologists have discovered 50 tons of broken jars. In fact, the Celtic market itself held a strong trade deal with Roman vintners (winemakers), who would ship at least 10,000 amphorae to their awaiting customers.
Bloodshed and Booze
According to researchers, the Celts were already a rambunctious, violent group of people, who often conducted rituals of warfare. By the time they were ready to engage in battle, the men would already be tipsy, too drunk to fight at full potential. One archaeologist commented that the Celts living in Corent probably consumed 50,000 to 100,000 wine jars during a single century (equal to 28,000 bottles of wine in one year).
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from alcohol use disorder or a severe form of alcoholism? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.