06. A Brief History of Beekeeping

Beekeeping is one of humanity’s oldest agricultural practices, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Ancient rock paintings from Spain dating back over 8,000 years show early humans harvesting honey from wild bee colonies nestled in tree hollows. These early foragers developed a deep respect for bees, understanding both their value and their complexity. Over time, rather than simply taking honey from wild hives, humans began to offer bees safe, fixed homes, marking the beginning of beekeeping as we know it today.

The ancient Egyptians were among the first to keep bees in a structured way. They used clay cylinders or woven baskets to house bees and even transported hives on boats along the Nile to follow blooming flowers. Honey was not only a sweetener but also held cultural and medicinal significance—it was used in offerings, food preservation, and healing. Other ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Chinese, and Romans, refined the art of beekeeping and passed down techniques that informed much of our modern understanding. These civilizations recognised bees as a vital part of the ecosystem and their economy.

In more recent centuries, especially with the rise of scientific agriculture, humans began to design beehives that allowed for easier management and honey extraction. Traditional log hives and clay pots were gradually replaced by more structured and accessible hives. This shift allowed beekeepers to monitor bee health, prevent diseases, and harvest honey without destroying the entire colony. Among the many types of hives developed, the Langstroth hive, invented in 1851 by American beekeeper Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth, has become the most widely used around the world. Its revolutionary feature—a system of removable, evenly spaced frames—made it possible to inspect and manage bee colonies efficiently without harming them.

Other hive types, such as the Kenyan top-bar hive or Warré hive, are also popular, especially among small-scale and natural beekeepers. These designs are simpler, often more affordable, and suited to backyard environments. While each hive type has its advantages and challenges, the core principles of beekeeping remain the same. Understanding bee behaviour, maintaining a healthy environment, protecting the colony from pests and diseases, and harvesting honey responsibly are universal aspects of the craft.

In this guide, we focus primarily on the Langstroth hive, as it is the most commonly used system for both hobby and professional beekeepers. Its modular design and worldwide availability make it ideal for beginners. However, the knowledge and practices shared in this book can be applied to almost any hive style. Whether you choose a Langstroth, a top-bar, or a traditional hive, your journey as a beekeeper connects you with an age-old human tradition—one that continues to bring meaning, nourishment, and joy across cultures and generations.