[WilliamWallace1999]

As a home brewer and beer history buff, I think they are speaking of barley and wheat. Both were used for beer throughout Ancient world. This is not a new theory, just older evidence to support it. The theory goes that civilization actually began because of beer. Hunter-gatheres could have ground grain, baked a loaf, and kept moving. A batch of beer on the other hand required a bit of time to complete. Cave painting, story-telling, tool making, and pottery all arose while waiting for the suds to be ready.
Beer was a better food than bread. Old style brews had large amounts of protien as well as carbohydrates. The yeast residue also provided an excellent source of vitamins. Bread and flour would not have lasted through a long winter nearly as long as a good strong stout. The use of hops was not originally for flavor, but was added as preservative.

Now let's crack a cold stout and celebrate our heritage.

[blam]

"The theory goes that civilization actually began because of beer."

Nah. It was the ice and learning how to plan (think ahead) to survive each winter. (That's, the ice, also what made some peop;e white)

[Fish_Keeper]

Any estimate on the alcohol content of this prehistoric brew? I'm guessing around 7 to 10% alcohol in this early stout, does that sound about right? Just curious.

[Hot Tabasco]

The theory goes that civilization actually began because of beer

Of course, everybody knows that the more beer you drink the smarter you get and women actually get better looking too.......