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Humans have been savoring honey far longer than experts initially believed. While ancient Egyptian bee symbols and Stone Age cave paintings suggest that various cultures cherished this sweet bee product for ages, a recent study published in the journal Nature reveals that farmers have been utilizing honeybees since the Neolithic era.
Scientists from the University of Bristol analyzed over 6400 clay pottery pieces from Neolithic sites across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They discovered beeswax residues dating back nearly 9000 years—approximately 2000 years earlier than previously thought, according to NPR. This discovery could mark the dawn of honeybee domestication.
Honey would have undoubtedly been a delightful treat for Stone Age communities. However, researchers suggest that beeswax likely served multiple purposes—such as waterproofing containers, crafting cosmetics, or functioning as a fuel source for lighting.
Not all ancient communities benefited from the bee’s hard work. Beeswax was absent in regions like Ireland, Scotland, and northern Scandinavia, suggesting that colder climates may have prevented bees from thriving there.
Could our early ancestors have been beekeepers? While researchers remain uncertain, LiveScience notes that 3000-year-old clay beehives were discovered in Israel in 2010. It’s remarkable to reflect on how the humble honeybee has been a source of sweetness for humanity for so long.
