Bronze Age Caucasus Reveals Everyday Diet: Dairy, Grapes, and Millet
Archaeologists analyzing 52 ceramic vessels from the Kura-Araxes culture in Qaraçinar (Azerbaijan) reveal a surprisingly diverse Bronze Age diet, including dairy products transformed into cheese, grape-based drinks, fruits, plant oils, and millet, with evidence of cooking and resin flavoring. The presence of millet points to long-distance trade, while pottery types suggest distinct cooking versus consumption roles, highlighting a sophisticated, widespread culinary culture rather than a simplistic ancient diet.