A History Of The World In 6 Glasses
Paulina Korzyk July 1st, 2014
A History of the World in Six Glasses: Guided Reading Q&A
Introduction “Vital Fluids” 1.) What is the author's main thesis (argument) in setting up his book? Why/how are these fluids “vital” ? The author wants to show that beverages had a great impact on history. He wants to tell his
readers that drinks have had a greater impact on history than normally recognized. The fluids are
“vital” because without them, humans wouldn't have accomplished so much. Fluids allowed people to
farm, think, trade, and survive. “Beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt” (Chapters 1 & 2)
1.) How might beer have influenced the transition from hunting and gathering (Paleolithic) to agricultural-based (Neolithic) societies ? Beer played a big role in the acceptance of agriculture. Humans began growing grains for beer,
and this led to the growing of other crops. Civilizations formed, due to food surplus and specialized
labor. People settled near the farming areas, and crops became part of their daily meals.
2.) What does the story of beer tell you about social and gender roles in ancient SW Asia and Egypt? Beer was used as a form of currency. It was measured in sila, which is equivalent to one liter.
People were given sila based on their social ranking. Senior officials received the most. Ladies of the
court received a bit less than senior officials. Junior officials received even less. Women and children
received the least. Soldiers, policeman, and scribes also were given sila for their work. This shows that
people were not treated equally.
3.) Would the earliest civilizations of SW Asia and Egypt have been as prosperous without the discovery of beer ? Support your answer with evidence from the text. No, the earliest civilizations of SW Asia and Egypt would not be prosperous without
A History of the World in Six Glasses: Guided Reading Q&A
Introduction “Vital Fluids” 1.) What is the author's main thesis (argument) in setting up his book? Why/how are these fluids “vital” ? The author wants to show that beverages had a great impact on history. He wants to tell his
readers that drinks have had a greater impact on history than normally recognized. The fluids are
“vital” because without them, humans wouldn't have accomplished so much. Fluids allowed people to
farm, think, trade, and survive. “Beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt” (Chapters 1 & 2)
1.) How might beer have influenced the transition from hunting and gathering (Paleolithic) to agricultural-based (Neolithic) societies ? Beer played a big role in the acceptance of agriculture. Humans began growing grains for beer,
and this led to the growing of other crops. Civilizations formed, due to food surplus and specialized
labor. People settled near the farming areas, and crops became part of their daily meals.
2.) What does the story of beer tell you about social and gender roles in ancient SW Asia and Egypt? Beer was used as a form of currency. It was measured in sila, which is equivalent to one liter.
People were given sila based on their social ranking. Senior officials received the most. Ladies of the
court received a bit less than senior officials. Junior officials received even less. Women and children
received the least. Soldiers, policeman, and scribes also were given sila for their work. This shows that
people were not treated equally.
3.) Would the earliest civilizations of SW Asia and Egypt have been as prosperous without the discovery of beer ? Support your answer with evidence from the text. No, the earliest civilizations of SW Asia and Egypt would not be prosperous without