In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have unearthed what is now the oldest known liquid wine ever discovered in its original form.
Found in a sunken tomb in Carmona, southern Spain, this ancient wine has defied time, offering a glimpse into Roman funeral practices and winemaking techniques from two millennia ago.
Discovery and Context
The discovery took place when a family renovating their home stumbled upon a sunken grave beneath their property. Promptly notifying the city's archaeology department, they uncovered a tomb that had remained undisturbed for 2,000 years. Unlike many Roman graves that were often looted in antiquity, this tomb preserved its contents remarkably intact.
According to José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, an organic chemist from the University of Cordoba who led the analysis, the tomb contained several burial niches, each holding urns crafted from limestone, sandstone, glass, or lead. Among them, one urn stood out—a large, reddish-brown ceramic vessel that held not only the cremated remains of a Roman man but also the ancient wine that accompanied him into the afterlife.
The Significance of the Find
The discovery marks a significant milestone in archaeological and oenological history. Before this find, the oldest preserved liquid wine known was from a bottle discovered in Speyer, Germany, dating back to around 325 AD. This newly discovered Spanish wine predates that by several centuries, providing researchers with a rare opportunity to study ancient winemaking techniques and the chemical evolution of wine over millennia.
Scientific Analysis
Scientific analysis revealed that the reddish-brown color of the wine was a result of complex chemical reactions that occurred over the course of two millennia. This transformation offers insights into the aging process of ancient wines and highlights the durable nature of Roman ceramic vessels in preserving liquids for thousands of years.
Uncovering Roman Funerary Practices
Beyond its oenological significance, the tomb also sheds light on Roman funerary practices. The Romans, known for their elaborate burial customs, constructed monumental graves to ensure their memory endured. This tomb in Carmona, with its undisturbed contents and intact artifacts, underscores the pride and respect Romans had for their deceased.
Source: historia.ro