Discovery of the Oldest Liquid Wine in a Roman Tomb
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the University of Cordoba, Spain, have unearthed the oldest liquid wine in a 2,000-year-old Roman tomb in Carmona, near Seville. This remarkable find, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, dates back to 2019 when a family stumbled upon the Roman tomb while renovating their home. The tomb, hidden in rock, managed to evade looters for centuries, preserving its contents in an exceptional state.
Chemical Analysis Reveals White Wine
The tomb contained eight burial niches, six of which held urns made of glass, lead, or limestone, along with cremated remains and funerary objects. One of these urns contained 4.5 liters of a red-brown liquid, which chemical analysis revealed to be white wine despite its color. Researchers identified typical polyphenols and noted the absence of syringic acid, a marker for the breakdown of red wine pigments. This analysis highlights the Romans' sophisticated techniques for preserving wine and underscores the ritualistic importance of wine in Roman funerary practices.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The discovery of this ancient wine not only showcases the Romans' ability to preserve wine but also sheds light on their burial customs. The wine was likely used as an offering to the gods and as a means to honor and purify the dead, facilitating their passage into the afterlife. The presence of the wine in the urn, which also contained cremated bones and a gold ring, suggests a deep cultural significance.
Analysis and Preservation
Despite being in contact with cremated bones, the Carmona wine is deemed 'drinkable' and 'not at all toxic' according to microbiological analysis. One of the researchers, Daniel Cosano, described the wine as having a 'salty' taste. This discovery replaces the previous record-holder for the oldest liquid wine, found in a Roman tomb near Speyer, Germany, in 1867.
Insights into Roman Society
The tomb, a circular mausoleum likely belonging to a wealthy family, was located along a significant road connecting Carmo (Carmona) with Hispalis (Seville). The wine's preservation is attributed to the tomb's intact and well-sealed condition over the millennia. Interestingly, the wine-covered remains were those of a man, as women in ancient Rome were often prohibited from tasting wine. In contrast, the urn containing a woman's remains held three amber jewels, a perfume bottle, and silk fabric remnants, highlighting the gender-specific burial customs of the time.
- The discovery of the oldest liquid wine offers a fascinating glimpse into the Romans' advanced preservation techniques and their cultural practices surrounding death and the afterlife. The wine's presence in the tomb underscores its ritualistic importance and the belief in its power to honor the deceased and aid their journey to the afterlife.
- The chemical analysis, which identified polyphenols typical of white wine, provides crucial evidence of the wine's original state. This discovery not only replaces the previous oldest liquid wine found in Germany but also adds to our understanding of Roman burial customs, particularly the gender-specific practices observed in the tomb.
- The well-preserved state of the tomb, hidden in rock and sealed for centuries, played a significant role in maintaining the wine's condition. This discovery highlights the importance of archaeological preservation and the potential for uncovering further insights into ancient civilizations.
