Scientists have just uncovered a detail about ancient wine that might just make you reconsider your next sip. It turns out that the oldest wine had a rather unexpected ingredient, discovered after analyzing a bottle found in a Roman tomb in Spain. This revelation is making waves, especially for those who fancy a vintage glass.
Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine have been staples in societies worldwide, and historical records show that many cultures indulged in these beverages. Recently, a fascinating discovery was made when a family in Carmona, a town in southwestern Spain, stumbled upon a Roman tomb beneath their house in 2019. The find included an urn that housed the world’s oldest known wine, dating back to the first century.
Upon further examination, scientists from the University of Córdoba, who published their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science on June 18, determined the liquid was originally white wine, although it had turned a reddish-brown over the millennia. The tomb was well-sealed, which preserved the wine in a near-natural state.
However, the intrigue deepened when researchers conducted a more thorough analysis. The University of Córdoba released a statement explaining the cultural significance of such findings, highlighting how, in ancient Rome and other societies, the dead were commemorated in unique ways to keep their memory alive.
As it turns out, this particular sample of ancient wine contained cremated human remains. José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, an organic chemist at the University of Córdoba, shared his surprise with All That’s Interesting, noting that it was the first time such a discovery had been made. Previous finds in funerary urns typically only contained cremated bones and various objects related to funeral offerings, but never liquid.
The scientific team was able to confirm the substance was wine by searching for specific biomarkers – chemical compounds that identify the composition of a substance. This breakthrough sheds light not only on the practices of ancient Roman society but also on their rituals surrounding death and remembrance.
Additionally, among other artifacts found in the tomb was another funerary urn that held cremated bone remains and a gold ring. The ring was notably decorated with the image of Janus, the two-headed Roman deity, emphasizing the cultural and religious significance of the items buried with the deceased.
This discovery not only provides a glimpse into the past but also paints a vivid picture of how intertwined life, death, and celebration were in ancient times. Whether this newfound knowledge will affect your wine preferences, however, remains to be seen.