ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Beer, Barbarians, and Rome: The Story of the Sabaiarius"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, we uncover the fascinating tale of the “Sabaiarius,” an ancient Roman insult meaning “beer man.”
Centered on Emperor Valens and his 4th-century struggle against rebellion, this story reveals how something as simple as a drink could carry profound cultural and political weight.
Drawing from Denis Aldino’s research, we explore how beer symbolized barbarism and social inferiority in Roman society, contrasting sharply with wine, the drink of the elite.
We’ll delve into how this insult was weaponized against Valens to undermine his legitimacy as emperor, exposing deep-seated anxieties about Roman identity and the growing East-West divide within the empire.
Along the way, we’ll unpack the perspectives of Ammianus Marcellinus, the historian who chronicled these events, and consider how drink preferences reflected broader societal prejudices.
Join us for an intriguing look at how beer and identity intertwined in ancient Rome—and how these associations echo in modern stereotypes about drinks and status. Cheers to history, culture, and the surprising stories behind what we drink!
Centered on Emperor Valens and his 4th-century struggle against rebellion, this story reveals how something as simple as a drink could carry profound cultural and political weight.
Drawing from Denis Aldino’s research, we explore how beer symbolized barbarism and social inferiority in Roman society, contrasting sharply with wine, the drink of the elite.
We’ll delve into how this insult was weaponized against Valens to undermine his legitimacy as emperor, exposing deep-seated anxieties about Roman identity and the growing East-West divide within the empire.
Along the way, we’ll unpack the perspectives of Ammianus Marcellinus, the historian who chronicled these events, and consider how drink preferences reflected broader societal prejudices.
Join us for an intriguing look at how beer and identity intertwined in ancient Rome—and how these associations echo in modern stereotypes about drinks and status. Cheers to history, culture, and the surprising stories behind what we drink!
More episodes of the podcast Let's Talk Beer: Culture And History
Beer, Culture, and Control in Guatemala
29/04/2025
How Chicha Beer Built an Ancient Empire 🍺
14/04/2025
Chang: Bhutan's Beer with a Sacred Twist 🍺
25/03/2025
The Fascinating History of Lager Yeast
24/12/2024
Beer and Monks: A Complicated History
17/12/2024
In God we trust