<human>:  What is the history of beer in Europe?
<bot>: The history of beer in Europe dates back to the Middle Ages and beyond. Beer has strong connections to Norse mythology and is believed to have been brewed as early as 3500 BC in what is now Iraq. Beer arrived in Europe around 2000 BC, where it became a popular drink and had a significant impact on the social and economic life of European communities. While there were countless regional and even local varieties, dark beers and porters were some of the most popular types of beer in Europe until the 19th century, when brewers began to produce lighter lagers. The rise of industrial brewing in the 20th century led to further innovations in brewing techniques, with new styles of beer being produced all over the continent. Today, European beer is renowned for its wide variety of styles, which range from stout to pilsner and beyond.