ISSUE 118 – STEVE KOVACS FUN WITH MAPS

DAILY FEATURE: By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (November 30, 2020) – In Issue 118 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps we visit Bavaria and stop for a beer.

Antique Bavarian Beer Steins (Stock image)

Pure.  Natural.  15th Century style.

Of course, it is beer!!!

Duke Albrecht IV of the Dutchy of Munich established an order in 1487 on this day stating that beer can contain only three ingredients, no more and no less. 

Water, hops and malt.

Later, in 1516, his order was broadened to all of Bavaria known as Reinheitsgebot.  The German beer purity law was born.

And yes, there was a limit on who can order a beer.  You must be tall enough to be able to reach over the bar — just kidding, anyone could get a beer.  You see, beer was much safer to drink, thanks to its alcohol content, than water in those days.  And you did want to keep your children safe! 

Here is Visscher’s map of Bavaria from 1680.       

Bavaria Map – 1680 (Credit Steve Kovacs)

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.