In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have unearthed a treasure trove in the form of a 2,000-year-old white wine from a Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain. Published in the Science Daily journal on June 18, the study detailed the discovery of a glass urn containing skeletal remains immersed in a liquid that had turned reddish over the centuries, preserving the wine since the first century AD.
The liquid, upon testing by a research team from the University of Cordoba’s Department of Organic Chemistry, was confirmed to be white wine of Andalusian origin. What makes this find particularly extraordinary is its pristine condition despite its ancient age; there are no existing samples from the same period to compare its quality and composition against.
Led by Professor José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, the research team collaborated closely with the City of Carmona to conduct this groundbreaking excavation. The discovery sheds light on ancient Roman burial practices and offers a rare glimpse into the culinary and viticultural traditions of the region over two millennia ago.
This find underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and preservation efforts in uncovering and understanding ancient civilizations through their material remains. As further analyses and studies unfold, the 2,000-year-old white wine promises to reveal more insights into the cultural heritage and technological achievements of ancient Andalusia.