Beekeeping History

The history of beekeeping dates back to around 2400 BCE in Egypt as per official records. The types of hives used for beekeeping in those days are similar to the ones that are still found in Sudan today. These hives are basically woven wicker baskets that are covered with clay. Beekeeping history states that the main centre of beekeeping used to be in Lower Egypt that was known for its vast acres of cultivated lands and another interesting bee keeping fact is that in this area the bee was chosen as the country’s symbol. Upper Egyptians who were nomadic were also apiarists as there are records that state that they would take their hives and move upriver via boats in the spring and basically follow the flowering plants northwards. Honey was a precious commodity in early times and was even kept in the temples so as to satisfy the God’s desire for honey. It was also used as a crucial ingredient in various medicines and ointments and also as a sweetener.

Beeswax also derived form beekeeping was used in ship and boat building and also in mummification and as a binding agent for paints, in metal casting and as medicinal base. Thus beekeeping is known to be one of the oldest practices in the world that is still in existence today. In ancient time beekeeping was primarily practiced for honey and wax as honey was used as an anti bacterial agent and wax was used in candles and mead which was a popular drink in the monasteries towards 13000 BC. In the beginning honey was collected primarily from wild hives but soon the benefits of beekeeping were realized by people which then led to the various bee keeping practices observed today. The first ever mobile honey comb was created by Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth in the 19th century which led to the creating of today’s modern hive. This hive would allow individual honeycombs to be taken out of the hive and inspected and have the honey extracted without actually causing any harm to the colony. Due to Langstroth’s invention, bees are used on a vast scale today to pollinate vast agricultural lands and grow enormous amounts of food and honey. Beekeeping is an expensive but lucrative income option that requires a considerable amount of investment of time and resources. Beekeeping training is also available nowadays that covers all the nuances of beekeeping.