You will often see references to mead being the oldest beverage in the world, or more specifically to Viking iconography, but the reality is that there is documentation from a number of ancient cultures that mead was enjoyed throughout Europe, Asia and north Africa. The prevailing theory is that mead history dates back to hunter-gatherer societies, and that the first meads were created very simply, by placing honey comb into water skins. The simple dilution would allow honey to begin to ferment via yeast naturally occurring in honey, which in comb is typically too inhospitable for fermentation, into a mildly alcoholic beverage. While this is something a person can attempt at home today, modern mead making typically employs a little science to ensure that you end up with something extra delicious.