Rennet is a complex set of enzymes central to many cheeses. It coagulates milk to form curds.  The primary enzyme in rennet is chymosin...

Yeast is a vital microorganism in wine making. From ancient fermentation to modern advancements, yeast influences taste, texture and...

Astrology and astronomy blur boundaries in the ancient world. Similar at a glance, the two serve different needs in society and progress....

In ancient Rome, the haruspex has a significant role in society as a trained specialist in the the practice of haruspicy. This form of...

As humanity evolves, so does study of astrology. Settlement, and the advent of writing c. 3200 BCE, lead to concise development of...

Babylonians are among the earliest astrologers. An ancient practice, astrology correlations the movements or habits of celestial bodies...

Metals, planets, their properties and symbols give insight into nature and personality. The seven metals of antiquity correspond with the...

Honey bees create honey, beeswax and folklore. First domestication of the honeybee is c. 8000 BCE, in the Neolithic Age. At this time...

Ninkasi is a goddess of beer and brewing in ancient Mesopotamia. She's cognate or related to Siris and sometimes portrayed as her sister....

Siris or Siraš is a Mesopotamian beer goddess. In Ebla she's called Zilaš. Siris connects to both the good and bad aspects of beer....

Mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb) or St. Lucie cherry is a species of fruit tree cultivated for a spice in the cherry stones. The fruit...

Nimrod is a legendary Mesopotamian king in the early Bronze Age. A controversial figure, Nimrod has a savage nature and civilized mind,...

Lammašaga (Lammasaga) is an ancient Sumerian goddess, and sukkal of the medicine goddess Bau . Belonging to a class of guardian...

When the gods come into being in Mesopotamia, they create the Igigi to act as their servants because they find work too exhausting. As...

The God Ishum is the sukkal or divine attendant of Nergal, Lord of the Underworld, death and disease. Like many deified sukkals, Ishum...

Scorpion men (Akkadian: girtablullû, aqrabuamelu) make an appearance in various Akkadian language myths. They include the Enûma Elish...

Watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ) grows in fresh water. With hollow stems, it floats and is easily gathered from the water's surface....

Kur is the vast and timeless Underworld of ancient Mesopotamia. Here is the abode of demons and vengeful spirits, creatures of the...

A Mesopotamian urban center, Kish is occupied for thousands of years. At about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Babylon Iraq, Kish is built upon the...

Gibil, also called Girra in Akkadian, is the Mesopotamian Fire God. He's associated with both the positive, nurturing, benevolent aspect...