like no other—only with us! This journey into the world of Greek honey will be truly rewarding, as you’ll also take part in the honeycomb process firsthand The art of beekeeping is not new to Greece. In fact, honey played a central role in the daily life of the ancient Greeks, who were among the first to discover its healing properties and high nutritional value. This is strongly confirmed by ceramic beehives discovered in Phaistos, dating back to 3400 BC. Additionally, from the same historical period, the exquisite golden jewel of Knossos was found, depicting two bees holding a honeycomb. Although the art of beekeeping was introduced to Greece from Egypt, it became so widely accepted that it was soon considered an integral part of Greek culture. Ancient texts reveal that in Sparta, young men training to become soldiers, along with their mentors, were required to survive in Mount Taygetus for a month, consuming nothing but honey. This is where the term "honeymoon" originates from.

In Athens, beekeeping was so well-organized that the great lawmaker Solon (640-558 BC) was forced to establish laws regulating the distances between beekeeping sites to prevent disputes over hive ownership.

Furthermore, in Aristotle's works History of Animals and Generation of Animals, the society of bees is presented as a model of study and an ideal example of structure, function, and hierarchy in a perfect city-state. The great Greek philosopher even constructed a glass hive to observe the way bees worked and lived.

Uses of Honey in Ancient Greece

The ancient Greeks incorporated honey into their daily lives in various ways, including:

Oximelo: Honey mixed with vinegar, used as a remedy for fever.

Milomelo: Apples preserved in honey throughout the year, which gave the honey a distinct apple aroma. This method was also used for other fruits.

Hydromel (Mead): A fermented alcoholic beverage made from honey.

Melikrato: A mixture of honey and milk, used as food for children.

Oinomelo: Honey mixed with wine. It is said that Democritus lived to an old age because he consumed oinomelo with bread.

Hippocrates praised the healing properties of oinomelo for both the sick and the healthy, Pythagoras noted that honey eliminated fatigue, and Democritus attributed his vitality and longevity to honey consumption.

At Athens FoodSteps, we are committed to offering only the best, the rarest, and the most authentic experiences. Join us for this exclusive honey-tasting adventure and discover the sweet side of Greek history!

Book your experience now and taste the nectar of the gods!

From 35euro