A cake was discovered in the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Meir. Cake is regarded as one of humanity’s greatest inventions and has been around for thousands of years. Notably, one cake has endured through the ages. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this cake dates back about 4,200 years, making it the oldest known cake in the world.
It consists of two 10-centimeter-wide wheat cakes, believed to be filled with milk, honey, and sesame seeds, resembling pita more than traditional bread. Though it sounds appetizing, its age is extraordinary.
The dough for the cake was placed between two copper pans, designed to join together. This method allowed the cake to heat internally and seal well after baking. The molds were preheated over a fire and placed on the wet dough, causing air bubbles to form. As the cakes cooled, these bubbles escaped, creating a vacuum in the mold, ensuring the dough adhered to the metal, preserving it for a long time.
Such cakes were prepared for aristocratic families in ancient Egypt. The cake was found in the Meir necropolis, in the tomb of Pepiankh the Middle, a vizier who served during the reign of Pepi II, thought to be one of history’s longest-reigning monarchs. Pastries and breads like this accompanied ancient Egyptians into the afterlife, symbolizing life’s rebirth and providing sustenance for their journey to the celestial reed field.
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