Archaeologists unearthed the world’s oldest bottle of wine in a Roman tomb in the city of Carmona in Spain’s Andalusia region. The discovery included the ghastly remains of a first-century man, along with some surprising treasures like gold.
Unearthing Ancient Treasures
The 2,000-year-old glass urn was found by experts five years ago, and it was confirmed earlier this year that the liquid inside the container was indeed wine. The urn, named Olla Ossuaria, was sealed and contained around five liters of preserved reddish liquid. In addition to the wine, the container also held a gold ring bearing the image of the Roman god Janus, along with three amber jewels, a bottle of patchouli-scented perfume, and some silk fabric.
Insight into Roman Burial Practices
Experts believe that adding valuable artifacts like gold into tombs was a typical Roman funeral ritual aimed at providing the deceased with items for the afterlife. The presence of a gold ring alongside the remains further reinforces this theory.
Significant Historical Findings
Testing revealed that the vintage wine found in the urn dated back to the fourth century, making it the oldest known wine in the world. The discovery sheds light on ancient Roman burial practices and provides valuable insights into the cultural significance of wine in Roman society.
The Preservation of History
Local archaeologists were amazed at the preservation of the liquid in the urn, highlighting the untouched nature of the tomb for nearly 2,000 years. The sealed burial chamber yielded several urns containing the remains of both men and women, offering a glimpse into the lives and funeral practices of the ancient Roman inhabitants.
