Bread is not only one of many people's favorite foods, it has also been a part of human culture and symbolism since long before recorded history, as well as the fall of kings and the salvation of slaves.
Whatever your favorite toppings or toppings are for your bread , it's definitely worth learning a little more about the origins of this beloved treat.
Little known facts about bread
About 30,000 years ago, before the development of agriculture, humans extracted starch from the roots of certain plants. It is hypothesized that they then spread this starch powder on rocks and cooked it over fires into an early form of flatbread.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of this by analyzing starch residues on ancient grinding stones found in Italy, the Czech Republic, and Russia.
Over 8,000 years ago, the Sumerians, the oldest known civilization, were able to make bread rise using yeast in the air. Yeast can be found almost everywhere, especially on grains. So any dough left to rest long enough will rise.
What is “yeast” you ask? It’s the process by which bread rises, giving it that spongy texture we all love!
In early Europe, the Gauls and Iberians skimmed the foam off of beer during fermentation. They called this foam “barm” and used it to create “barm cake,” a much softer and fluffier cake than anything the world had ever seen.
The barm is still a popular bread in northern England and is often stuffed with bacon or chips.
Sourdough bread is probably one of the oldest methods of baking bread that we still use. It is made by keeping a small portion of yesterday's dough to help the dough rise today.
While it's possible that this recipe came from cultures around the fertile crescent, the oldest evidence of baking sourdough bread comes from Switzerland, around 3700 BC.
About 10,000 years ago, corn was first grown in what is now Mexico. Like everywhere else in the world, the grain was ground into flour and mixed with water to form dough that was baked into bread.
Thus, tlaxcalli, the root word for tortilla, was born. In fact, the name of the Mexican state of Tlaxcala means "place of tortillas" in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.
Compare workplace Halloween costume choices by respect, dress code, mobility, and safety—and learn when a subtle accessory or a policy check is the better option.
Find a couples costume that fits your style, budget, and comfort level, from Addams Family classics to original inside-joke duos.
Need a last-minute high school Halloween costume? Compare 10 easy closet-based ideas by prep time, comfort, school-day practicality, and simple safety checks.
Use a simple 2026 Halloween decorating timeline for indoor décor, outdoor displays, and fresh pumpkins, with practical adjustments for weather and events.
Mix five vivid, approachable Halloween cocktails with measured recipes, simple prep tips, and an alcohol-free option for your party guests.
Find 15 office-friendly Halloween costume ideas for 2026, with practical checks for dress codes, respectful themes, comfort, and workplace safety.
Plan a fun elementary school Halloween party with easy crafts, games, inclusive treats, costume tips, and a sample 75-minute classroom schedule.
Compare realistic side hustles for 2026 by startup cost, fees, flexibility, and income control, with current tax and scam guidance from official sources.
Upgrade your home office ergonomics with current OSHA and NIOSH guidance on chair fit, monitor height, laptop setup, lighting, and movement.
Learn why emotional intelligence matters in leadership, where it helps most, how to strengthen it, and how to tell whether your approach is working.
