Final answer:
In ancient times, alcohol was indeed considered safer to drink than water and was a significant part of various cultures. The fermentation process of alcohol helped to kill pathogens found in water, contributing to its safety as a beverage. Hence, the claim that alcohol was safer to drink than water in ancient times is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ancient times, alcohol consumption was indeed not only more common due to the lack of safe drinking water but also because it was a significant part of the culture and daily diet in various civilizations. Alcohol, such as beer and wine, was often safer to drink than water, which was frequently contaminated and could cause illness. This is because the fermentation process killed off many of the pathogens found in water. European explorers and settlers carried alcoholic beverages like beer and whiskey with them to the Americas, where it became an essential part of the diet.
In ancient cultures such as Greece, Egypt, and Rome, drinking alcohol was common, but drinkenness was generally frowned upon, except during certain religious festivals. People who did not drink wine were often considered barbarians by the Greeks. Beer, believed to have possibly encouraged the domestication of grain and the establishment of cities, was considered a significant factor in early settled communities. Moreover, the Christian Church in Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries regarded alcoholic drinks as a gift from God, to be enjoyed in moderation.
The historical association between alcohol and safer consumption compared to water due to the latter's frequent contamination is corroborated by the fact that individuals in certain regions had access to a healthier alternative in the form of beer or wine. This played a role in their overall health and population growth. Therefore, the claim that alcohol was a food-like beverage that was safer to drink than water in ancient times is true.