Tag Archives: date palm

Bon Appetit Wednesday! Ancient Mesopotamian Palace Cakes From Ur

UROFTHECHALDEESToday’s recipe is fit for royalty! This cake was served in the palaces of the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur and uses one of the most important food staples in ancient Mesopotamia—the date. Ur was located in what is now Iraq and was an important city on the Persian Gulf. It was inhabited from 3800 BCE to 450 BCE. Due to its position on the gulf, Ur became an enormous and hugely influential city trading with countries as far away as India. Its citizens were wealthy and lived unusually comfortable lives compared with those in other Mesopotamian cities.[1] Continue reading

The History of the Holiday Evergreen

2068647073_027652d2e8This is the time of year where evergreens are festively decked out in red ribbon and twinkling lights and festooning homes and cities around the globe.  But did you know you were following in the footsteps of ancient cultures from all over the world who used green plants in their own winter solstice celebrations? Beginning thousands of years ago and culminating in today’s ubiquitous Christmas tree, greenery has long been a cherished holiday decoration. Continue reading