Babylonian Tablets: Discovering the World's Oldest Recipes

The oldest known recipes are found on Babylonian tablets, dating back approximately 3,750 years to around 1730 BC. These tablets, now housed in Yale University's Babylonian Collection, offer a unique glimpse into ancient culinary practices. Initially dismissed, their true nature as recipe collections was confirmed in the 1980s by French archaeologist Jean Bottéro. These ancient recipes differ significantly from modern ones. They lack precise measurements and cooking times. However, they describe intriguing dishes like pies filled with songbirds and various vegetable and meat stews. Some ingredients bear surprising similarities to modern Iraqi cuisine, such as lamb, coriander, barley, garlic, and onion. Other ingredients, like blood and rodent meat, are less appealing to contemporary palates. One tablet even contains measurements, potentially making it the 'first modern recipe.' A team led by Gojko Barjamovic, an Assyriologist at Yale University, has worked to decipher and recreate these recipes. Modern chefs have revived some of these dishes, bringing the flavors of 4,000 years ago back to life. Researcher Farrell Monaco emphasizes that studying these ancient recipes creates a profound connection with the past, bridging ancient culinary traditions with today's kitchens.