TALK The World’s Oldest Tavern

Dr. Zaid Al Rawi, Landscape Archaeologist Southern Mesopotamia Projects Manager, University of Pennsylvania

Eating out seems to have been as popular 5,000 years ago as it is today! Archaeologists working in the fall of 2022 in the ancient city of Lagash, in what was once the marshes of Iraq, discovered one of the world’s first taverns! Everything for a delightful meal was available: a room containing benches for comfort, an industrial-size oven which certainly churned out delicious delicacies, a large grill still holding a fish, and even a 5,000-year-old fridge! 

Hear the story and learn more about what was on the menu from Dr. Zaid Alrawi, Mesopotamian archaeologist and the Lagash archaeological project’s manager. 

Lynn Wyatt Theater, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

FREE ADMISION with reserved tickets

FREE PARKING after 5pm. Take ticket to enter and use the same ticket to exit at no charge.

Courtesy of Penn Museum