Oldest wine in the world discovered inside a 2,000-year-old Roman tomb
The oldest-ever wine preserved in liquid form is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. It was accidentally discovered by a Spanish family in 2019 inside a2,000-year-old sunken Roman tomb.
Wine has a long history, and by long, we mean dating back to the Stone Ages. Archaeological findings dating back 8,000 years have found evidence of people from that era making wine. But the oldest-ever wine preserved in liquid form is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
Discovered by accident
It was accidentally discovered by a Spanish family in 2019 inside a 2,000-year-old sunken Roman tomb while renovating their home in Carmona. It was found in a funerary urn, along with other artifacts, including a ¡°gold ring¡± depicting Janus, the Roman god of transitions and endings.
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Journal of Archaeological Science
There were a total of eight loculi inside the tomb, two of which were empty, and six of which contained an urn filled with a red liquid, which scientists later identified as wine.
Still in drinkable condition
What is remarkable about the 2,000-year-old wine is that it bears a striking resemblance to some Spanish wines of today and is still drinkable. It is believed that Romans used wine as part of their funerary practices, and that is how it ended up in the tomb.
Journal of Archaeological Science
¡°We did not expect it to contain liquid, much less the quantity found (about 4.5 liters). This was the first time something like this had been discovered. Until now, all the funerary urns found contained only cremated bone remains and various objects related to funerary offerings,¡± said Jos¨¦ Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, who led the study of the artifacts.
According to him, the wine was originally a white wine whose color probably changed over time.
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Journal of Archaeological Science
Taste of world's oldest wine
As part of the study, the researchers also did a taste test of the 2,000-year-old wine and found it to be salty.
"The flavor is salty, which is not surprising given its chemical composition, specifically its high concentration of potassium and sodium,¡± he said.
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