In Carmona, Seville province, Spain, archaeologists made a unique discovery of a glass urn containing white wine in a Roman tomb. The urn also contained cremated bones of a man and a gold ring with the image of the two-headed Roman god Janus. This finding dates back over 2,000 years.
The tomb was discovered in 2019 and revealed a structure believed to have been built by the Romans in the first half of the first century. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the liquid in the urn was white wine that had changed color over time. This makes it the oldest liquid wine ever recorded.
Researchers determined that the wine was made from white grapes, as it lacked the byproduct of red wine decomposition, syringic acid. Despite its age, the wine is technically still drinkable and not toxic. However, it has a salty taste due to high concentrations of potassium and sodium in the liquid resulting from its long contact with cremated ashes.
This discovery is significant as it sheds light on ancient wine-making practices. It also provides insight into how different wines tasted centuries ago and what ingredients were used to make them.
The previous record-holder for the oldest liquid wine was found in Germany in 1867. While this wine is still drinkable today, researchers are hesitant to consume it due to its long history and contact with Roman remains.
Overall, this discovery highlights how much we can learn about our past through studying artifacts such as these.
In conclusion, archaeologists have uncovered an ancient glass urn filled with white wine in Carmona, Seville province that dates back over 2000 years. The discovery is significant because it provides insight into ancient winemaking practices and what wines tasted like centuries ago. Although technically still drinkable today, researchers are hesitant to consume it due to its long history and contact with Roman remains.
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