It is known that honey bees are social insects so we can’t act surprised that humans made some good friends.

Long known as the angels of agriculture, honey bees deserve our respect and care.

6000 bc  Cuevas de la Araña, Spain

Since ancient times, humans have been drawn to honey bees and their godly products.

Early humans learned the secrets of the hive and left us rock art to prove it.

You can appreciate this fine prehistoric art here.

2400 Bc Egypt

Egyptians are thought to be some of the first humans to practice beekeeping at an advanced level.

They were using honey bee products in over 900 early medicinal treatments.

Almost all Egyptian treatments contained honey, milk, and wine.

Egyptian gods had their share of honey through offerings and rituals.

You can take a look at ancient Egyptian honey bee paintings here.

2000 BC Nippur

The oldest honey-based medical prescription came from Nippur and was recorded in a Sumerian tablet.

Evidence from clay tablets makes us believe that 30% of Sumerian medical treatments contained honey.

1700 bc Bible mention

Honey couldn’t get passed unnoticed by the Bible.

Israel is addressing his sons about the gifts they should bring to their brother:   “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.”

1000 BC the Vedas mentions, India

The Vedas, meaning „knowledge” are the oldest texts of Hinduism.

Honey was used by early Hindus in marriage ceremonies to send away evil spirits and to ensure the couple eternal love.

Obviously, they also considered honey as the food of gods.

The Vedas were sacred to the people occupying the Indus and Ganges valleys at that time and it records as follows: “Let one take honey …. to beautify his appearance, develop his brain faculty and strengthen his body”.