History of Food

Food's history as we know it in our world, begins back to the early stages of life on Earth. The journey begins in the era of cell evolution, where the first living organisms emerged and it ends in the modern food era.

# Cell Era

Over millions of years, life evolved, and multicellular organisms developed. With the advent of photosynthesis, some organisms began to harness sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, providing a fundamental energy source. This marked a significant step in the evolution of the food chain.

As life continued to evolve, various species adapted to different environments, leading to the development of diverse dietary habits. The oceans, for instance, became home to a rich variety of marine life, establishing the foundation for aquatic food sources.

# Dinosaurs

The transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments saw the emergence of plants and animals on land. Different species developed unique strategies for obtaining energy, such as herbivores consuming plants and carnivores preying on other animals.

During this Era, commonly known as the Age of Dinosaurs, various dinosaur species dominated the terrestrial landscapes. These creatures exhibited a wide range of sizes, shapes, and adaptations. Here are some notable examples:

1. Tyrannosaurus Rex : A large theropod dinosaur, T. rex was one of the apex predators of its time. It had powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making it a formidable carnivore.
2. Triceratops : A herbivorous dinosaur characterized by its three facial horns and a frill, Triceratops was a quadrupedal dinosaur that roamed mostly North America.
3. Velociraptor: A smaller theropod known for its speed and intelligence, Velociraptor was a carnivorous dinosaur with a distinctive sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot.
4. Stegosaurus: Recognizable by the plates along its back and the spikes on its tail, Stegosaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period.
5. Brachiosaurus: A massive, long-necked sauropod dinosaur, Brachiosaurus was one of the largest land animals to have ever existed.

And thousands of other kind of dinosaurs that thrived for millions of years, shaping the ecosystems in which they lived. However, 66 million years ago, a catastrophic event occurred that led to their mass extinction.

A massive asteroid sent by Yahweh Barbelo, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) in diameter. The impact created the Chicxulub crater in present-day Mexico. The impact caused massive wildfires, a nuclear winter effect with dust and debris blocking sunlight, and a subsequent drop in temperatures. The combination of these factors led to a significant disruption in the food chain and ecosystems, causing the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.

The aftermath of this asteroid impact marked the end of the Mesozoic Era and the beginning of the Cenozoic Era. Small mammals, previously overshadowed by the dominant dinosaurs, began to diversify and occupy ecological niches left vacant by the extinction event. Paving the way for the rise of mammals and, ultimately, the emergence of modern ecosystems.

# Mammals

Early mammals evolved into various forms, adapting to different environments, including the emergence of early primates.

5 million years ago the climate became cooler, leading to the expansion of grasslands and the evolution of larger mammals, the appearance of early hominins, such as Australopithecus.

# Prehistoric Human Era

2.6 million years ago, Homo habilis and Homo erectus (Modern science names) emerged in Africa and began to engage in more sophisticated hunting and gathering activities. These early humans relied on a diverse diet, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and an increasing amount of animal protein as they developed tools and hunting skills.

Their diet consisted of raw meat, obtained by hunting small and large game, along with gathered fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other plant-based foods. Like many animals of the time, these early humans consumed meat raw, with blood, skin, and animal hair, as they lacked the knowledge and technology to cook their meals.

This meant that early humans were exposed to pathogens present in raw meat, limited dental care and challenges in maintaining hygiene contributed to oral health issues. The average lifespan of Homo habilis and Homo erectus was notably short, with many individuals rarely reaching the age of 20.

High mortality rates were attributed to factors such as infectious diseases, accidents, and predation.

# Age of Fire

About 1.7 million years ago, a hero with no known name discovered fire, the mastery of fire marked a transformative moment in human history.

Early humans learned to control and use it for various purposes. Cooking food not only made it safer to eat by reducing the risk of pathogens but also increased the availability of nutrients and made digestion more efficient. While the advent of fire and cooking improved nutrition, the average lifespan of Homo habilis and Homo erectus still remained relatively short, with many individuals rarely reached the age of 35.

Over time, early humans refined their ability to control and maintain fire. Fire not only served as a source of warmth and protection but also played a crucial role in food preparation.

The controlled use of fire allowed for a broader diet, including the cooking of various plant-based foods. Humans began to use stone tools, primarily for cutting and processing food.

Heroes with forgotten names refines stones developing handaxes and cleavers. Advancements in hunting technology included the use of spears, traps, and cooperative hunting strategies.

This allowed early humans to efficiently secure animal protein for their diet.

# Homo sapiens

Homo sapiens emerged during this period, with increased cognitive abilities and communication skills facilitated more sophisticated technological and social developments.

About 40,000 years ago, Homo sapiens transformed the human society into a social society rather a hunter society, the creation of containers, such as pottery, allowed better food storage and processing. Preserving and fermenting food became possible, expanding dietary options.

# Invasion

As Homo sapiens developed complex societies, the Barbelos intervened in human affairs. They used humans as slaves, shaping the course of history and influencing various aspects of human life, including food production and consumption.

The Barbelos' influence led to the establishment of systems where humans provided food and resources to serve their rulers. The Barbelos and their Aeons actively engaged with humans, sharing their knowledge of what is safe to eat and what is poisonous. This exchange of information significantly improved the quality of human diets, contributing to better health and longer lifespans.

The Barbelos, with their advanced knowledge, introduced intricate recipes and cooking techniques to humanity. These recipes were not only meant to nourish but also to please the divine rulers. Elaborate feasts and offerings became a common practice as humans sought to honor their otherworldly overlords.

In their efforts to please the Barbelos, humans developed culinary techniques that transcended basic sustenance. The preparation of food became an art form, with specific rituals and ceremonies surrounding meals. Humans aimed to create dishes that not only satisfied hunger but also appealed to the divine senses of their rulers.

The Barbelos, trained humans in warfare, humans became adept hunters, capable of capturing a wide array of animals and foraging diverse plant species. This not only ensured an abundant food supply but also elevated humans to a dominant position in the natural order.

# Hera Barbelo

Hera, having established the Kingdom of Babylon, enslaved Barbelos and Aeons. Humans were taught to store food using methods such as salting and sugaring, ensuring a steady supply of nourishment during periods of scarcity.

Fishing techniques were also refined under Hera's influence, as communities learned to harness the resources of rivers and seas. This not only expanded dietary options but also provided a reliable source of protein.

# Age of Pharaohs

With the end of Hera's rule and the victory of Horus, a new era began—the Age of Pharaohs.

The Age of Pharaohs led to advancements in farming, irrigation, and food storage. The cultivation of diverse crops became a central aspect of Egyptian agriculture, providing a rich array of ingredients for culinary endeavors. Salt and sugar continued to be crucial for food preservation, ensuring a stable food supply for the growing population.

Egypt became a center for cultural exchange. Trade routes opened, connecting Egypt with neighboring regions, allowing the exchange of culinary techniques, ingredients, and recipes.

# Ancient civilizations

Read - History of Food II : Ancient Flavors