How far back does beer go in human history? University of Pennsylvania Museum Archaeologist Patrick McGovern says it showed up quite early.
McGovern is the author of Ancient Rediscovered and Recreated. Andy Robins interviewed McGovern in April just before he spoke at Western Michigan University.
McGovern studies the history of fermented alcoholic beverages, and has helped create several of them. He says ancient people considered those drinks to be medicine and an important part of religion.