Specialists in archaeology, who uncovered the planet’s most ancient bottle of wine within a Roman burial site in Spain, made a startling finding upon its opening. The glass vessel, dating back two millennia, was initially brought to light six years ago in Carmona, a municipality located in Andalusia, approximately 25 miles from Seville.
In 2024, investigators revealed the presence of liquid within the urn, which laboratory analysis confirmed to be wine. This vintage was attributed to the fourth century, positioning it among the oldest known alcoholic beverages ever unearthed. “Initially, we were quite astonished that liquid had been preserved in one of the urns,” stated Carmona’s municipal archaeologist, Juan Manuel Román, at the time. Nevertheless, the surprises persisted.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the day’s biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
READ MORE: Ancient Greek temple dedicated to hero Odysseus ‘discovered’ on Ithaca island
READ MORE: World’s oldest building that’s 12,000 years old and shrouded in utter mystery
Archaeologists were astounded to find a man’s incinerated remains within the wine, accompanied by a gold ring. This discovery has significantly illuminated funerary customs prevalent in the Spanish region during the Roman era.
Researchers indicated that it was “not by chance” that the skeletal remains belonged to a male and not a female. They elaborated that ancient Romans had regulations against women consuming wine, which was regarded as a beverage for men. The urn’s ash composition mirrored the gender distinctions observed in Roman society’s funeral practices.
The remains of a female individual were discovered in a separate urn from the same tomb, which contained no traces of wine whatsoever. This urn was found to hold three amber ornaments, a vial of perfume with a patchouli aroma, and fragments of silk textiles.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The items placed within the tomb were chosen in accordance with a Roman conviction that the deceased would require them for their journey into the hereafter.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
It is commonly understood that Roman funerals comprised five distinct phases, though direct accounts of the precise rituals are scarce. These five components included a procession (or Pompa), cremation and internment, a eulogy, a post-burial feast, and subsequent remembrance ceremonies.
The Romans attached considerable importance to conducting appropriate ceremonies and burial rites to prevent malevolent spirits from emerging from the underworld.