For decades, wine connoisseurs have dreamt of tasting a piece of history. Well, that goal has gotten a little closer to reality now! Archaeologists have discovered the oldest wine in the world in a well-preserved Roman tomb in Spain.
What is the Oldest Wine in the World?
The story was unveiled in 2019, with the accidental discovery of a Roman mausoleum in Carmona, near Seville, Spain. The tomb, which dates from the first century AD, belonged to a wealthy family. Inside, researchers discovered eight burial chambers containing six urns made of limestone, sandstone, and glass. Half of the containers had cremated female remains, while the other half held male remains. Two urns featured engravings with the deceased’s names: Hispana and Senicio.
Among the artifacts, archaeologists were drawn to a unique glass urn. It contained a reddish liquid that, upon closer investigation, revealed to be the actual thing – wine! Chemical investigation proved that this is the oldest known liquid wine in existence, breaking the previous record holder, the Speyer wine bottle from Germany, which dates back to roughly 350 AD.
How the Oldest Wine was Preserved?
“I was surprised and full of disbelief,” said José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, a researcher at the University of Cordoba in Spain, as quoted by New Scientist. “It seemed impossible that a liquid could have remained in this state for 2,000 years.” Experts believe that the excellent preservation is the result of a combination of factors. The sealed glass urn shielded the wine from air and contamination, and the tomb’s cold, dark setting contributed to its exceptional duration.
While the discovery is obviously important for archaeologists and history fans alike, drinking this ancient vintage is most likely out of the question. Over two millennia, the wine’s composition is expected to have changed drastically, making it unsuitable for drinking.
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However, the discovery provides an intriguing look into Roman burial traditions and how important alcohol was in their civilization. The presence of such exquisite wine in the tomb shows that it was a treasured property or had symbolic meaning for the deceased. More chemical examination of this newly found wine could offer information about the grape varieties used by the Romans as well as their winemaking processes.
The discovery of the oldest wine in the world in a Roman tomb has changed history and provides a thrilling insight into the past lives of Roman civilization. While we may never taste this 2,000-year-old beverage, it exemplifies the lasting attraction of wine and the astonishing persistence of history, waiting to be uncorked. This discovery celebrates not only Roman winemakers’ creativity but also archaeology’s ability to bring the past to life.
