Archaeologists
working in southern Peru found an ancient brewery more than 1,000 years old.
Remains of the brewing facility were uncovered on Cerro Baúl, a mountaintop
city over 8,000 feet above sea level, which was home to elite members of the
Wari Empire from AD 600-1000.
Predating
the Inca Empire by at least four centuries, this Wari brewery was used to make
chicha, a fermented beverage similar to beer that played an important role in
ritual feasting and drinking during Peru's first empire. Ancient Peruvians made
chicha with local grains and fruit, which is quite different from today's
commercial beers typically made with barley and hops.
