Honey Through the Ages: From Ancient Civilisations to Sacred Traditions

Honey is more than just food. For thousands of years, it has been a symbol of life, healing, and abundance. From cave paintings to sacred texts, honey has played a central role in human culture, medicine, and spirituality. Today, modern science confirms what ancient peoples always believed: honey is one of nature’s greatest gifts. 

At Gather By, we see ourselves as part of this timeless story. Our award-winning Australian Manuka honey represents the pinnacle of honey’s natural power, carrying forward traditions that stretch back to humanity’s beginnings. 

In this article, we explore the history of honey, from its earliest use in human evolution to its revered place in religion, with a special focus on its role in the Quran. 

Honey in Prehistoric Times 

The story of honey begins with our earliest ancestors. The oldest evidence comes from a cave painting in Spain, estimated to be over 8,000 years old, showing a human figure climbing to collect honey from wild bees. Honey was one of the first sweeteners humans ever tasted, long before sugar existed. 

For hunter-gatherers, honey was more than a treat. It was a source of quick energy, dense nutrition, and natural medicine. Honey provided carbohydrates for endurance, antibacterial properties for healing wounds, and vitamins and minerals that were rare in other foods of the time. 

This early fascination with honey laid the foundation for its place in civilisation, religion, and medicine. 

Honey in Ancient Civilisations 

Egypt: Food of the Gods 

In ancient Egypt, honey was treasured for both practical and spiritual reasons. Egyptians used it as an offering to the gods, in religious ceremonies, and even in embalming. Archaeologists have found sealed jars of honey in tombs that are still edible after more than 3,000 years, a testament to its natural preservative powers. 

Honey was also a staple of Egyptian medicine. Papyrus texts record hundreds of remedies involving honey, from treating wounds to easing digestive issues. 

Greece and Rome: Sweetness and Healing 

To the Greeks, honey was divine. The poet Homer called it the “food of the gods.” Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed honey for fevers, wounds, and sore throats. Aristotle studied its qualities and noted its value for healing. 

The Romans used honey widely in cooking, fermenting it into drinks like mead, and in medicine. For them, it symbolised prosperity and health. 

India: The Elixir of Immortality 

In ancient India, honey appears in Vedic texts as one of the five “elixirs of immortality.” In Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine still practiced today, honey has always been regarded as a carrier of healing energy. It is prescribed for digestive health, vitality, and balance. 

Beyond health, honey has always carried symbolic meaning. It has represented prosperity, fertility, and renewal. In many cultures, honey was central to wedding feasts, seasonal festivals, and fertility rites. 

The English term “honeymoon” comes from the tradition of drinking honey wine, or mead, during the first month of marriage, symbolising sweetness and happiness. 

Honey’s cultural role has always been more than physical nourishment. It has been a metaphor for life itself: sweet, nourishing, and sacred. 

From Sacred Sweetness to Modern Superfood 

From ancient rituals to sacred texts, honey has always been revered. Today, scientific research validates what history has long taught us. Honey is antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and deeply nourishing. 

Among all honeys, raw Manuka honey is recognised as the most potent. Its MGO (methylglyoxal) content makes it unique, measurable, and incredibly powerful. Gather By’s award-winning Australian Manuka honey, with MGO levels up to 2200+, represents the pinnacle of this ancient gift, carrying forward thousands of years of human reverence for honey as food, medicine, and symbol of life. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the oldest evidence of humans using honey? 
A cave painting in Spain, over 8,000 years old, shows humans gathering honey from wild bees. 

Why is honey mentioned in the Quran? 
Honey is described in Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) as a healing substance and a sign of divine creation, highlighting its sacred and medicinal importance. 

Did ancient cultures use honey as medicine? 
Yes. Egyptians, Greeks, Indians, and many others used honey for wound care, digestion, and vitality. Modern science has confirmed these uses. 

Is honey still used in spiritual rituals today? 
Yes. Honey remains central to festivals and ceremonies in religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. 

How does Manuka honey connect with this ancient history? 
Manuka honey is the most powerful example of honey’s healing legacy. With its unique MGO content, it continues the tradition of honey as both food and medicine. 

A Timeless Gift from Nature 

From cave walls to sacred texts, honey has been part of the human journey for millennia. It has nourished bodies, healed wounds, and symbolised abundance and blessing. 

At Gather By, we honour this history through our work. Our Australian Manuka honey carries forward the story of honey as food, medicine, and spiritual gift, offering the purity and potency that humans have cherished for thousands of years. 

Discover our award-winning range today and experience the living legacy of honey. 

Written by: 
Gather By Team 
September 2025