Cultures: An Archeological Study of Sourdough and People (2025)

The Covid-19 lockdown saw a rise in popularity of handmade sourdough bread but did little to reveal its deep history. I sought to learn more about the archaeological evidence of bread making, particularly sourdough, and its cultural significance in ancient societies. Artifacts uncovered by archaeologists include ovens, specialized ceramic vessels used for fermentation, and tools associated with bread production. In some cultures, it appears that the dead were buried with fermented bread, highlighting its importance in ritual and daily life. In reviewing the literature, I gained a deeper understanding of how bread, a staple in modern life, was intertwined with ancient people’s cultural practices and social structures.