system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How did people get anything cold in hot places (i.e. Middle East, deserts, etc.) before things like refrigeration.
gpt
A long time ago, around 400 BC. Persians had ice in the middle of summer in the desert. It was brought in during the winters from the mountains close by in bulk, and were stored in specially designed, naturally cooled fridges. They were underground and had thick walls. (we're talking about an Acre in size and the wall thickness were at least two meters). It was made of clay, eggs, goat hair, ash.....a little mixture they proved to be resistant to heat transfers. They also had wind catchers built in so they could control the temperature more if needed. The ice were used to chill treats for royalty and rich folks.