Butter May Have Been Invented by Eurasian Nomads on Horseback

The invention of butter may have been an accidental discovery made by nomadic warriors. According to legend, Eurasian nomads, possibly ancestors of Genghis Khan, carried mare's milk in skin bags slung over their saddles during long journeys across the steppes. The constant agitation from galloping horses acted as a natural churn, separating the butterfat from the milk. An opposing legend credits Arab traders on camels with the discovery. Either way, butter has been with humanity for at least 4,000 years. The English word butter itself comes from the ancient Greek combination of bous meaning cow and turos meaning cheese, a testament to its ancient dairy roots.