The Ur-burger: Secret Origins of the Hamburger
Time: 13th Century
Location: The Russian tundra
The first recorded "burger history" shows that nomadic horseman laid the groundwork for the modern-day hamburger. Then, Mongolian and Tartar warriors, who loved the taste of raw steaks, softened their filets by placing them under the saddles of their horses while riding into battle or on marauding parties.
Later, when it was time to eat, the filet would be eaten raw, having been tenderized by the saddle and the back of the horse. Supposedly, this is the origins of the delicacy steak tartar, the raw first step to hamburger.
A Mongol warrior prepares for his deserved lunch:
