Biomolecular archaeologist and expert on ancient beverages
Patrick E. McGovern is Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
He pioneered biomolecular archaeology – a field at the cutting edge of modern archaeology, and one that bridges the sciences and humanities, and is the world's leading expert on ancient brewing techniques and fermented beverages, including beer and wine.
He originally studied Chemistry and English Literature at Cornell University before going on to complete studies in neurochemistry at the University of Rochester, and archaeology at Hebrew University, Jerusalem. He completed a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is now Scientific Director.
Submitted by Sean Williams on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 13:12
Us in the 'modern world' tend to think we've got the market cornered for most things, and partying is no different. Clubs, drugs, drink and casual sex may be frowned upon even by our elders at times, but it seems those in the ancient world had rather less stringent morals when it came to partying hard. And new research suggests the neon-lit acid haze of the eighties was far from the first movement to find a love for rave culture. It seems that rolling stones had barely been invented before the ancient world was partying like Keith Richards on closing night.
