The discovery of the world's oldest liquid wine in a Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain, has shed new light on ancient burial practices and the cultural significance of wine in Roman society. This 2,000-year-old white wine, found in a well-sealed glass urn alongside cremated remains and other artifacts, offers unique insights into Roman funerary rituals, social norms, and the remarkable preservation techniques of the time.
World's Oldest Wine Discovery
Unearthed during a 2019 home renovation in Carmona, Spain, the world's oldest liquid wine was discovered in a Roman tomb dating back to the first century AD. The reddish-brown liquid, originally a white wine, was preserved in a glass urn alongside cremated remains and various artifacts. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of seven specific polyphenol compounds, matching those found in modern Andalusian wines such as Montilla-Moriles and Jerez. This remarkable find surpasses the previously oldest known wine, the Speyer bottle from Germany, dated to the 4th century AD.
Roman Funerary Wine Rituals
Wine played a central role in Roman funerary rites, symbolizing regeneration and immortality. It was used in libations, poured over the deceased or on the ground as an offering to gods and spirits. After burials, funeral banquets called circumpotatio were held where wine was consumed to honor the departed. The quality and type of wine used varied by social class, with elites using prestigious varieties like Falernian for elaborate rituals, while lower classes had more limited access. Aromatic substances like frankincense were sometimes added to mask decay and purify the dead during lengthy funeral proceedings.
Gender Norms in Ancient Rome
Women in ancient Rome were generally prohibited from drinking wine, reflecting societal norms aimed at maintaining female chastity and obedience. This taboo may have specifically applied to certain types of wine considered sacred or alcoholic, while other non-alcoholic beverages might have been permitted. The gender division was evident in funerary practices, as demonstrated by the contents of urns found in the Carmona tomb. While the male urn contained wine, the female urn held jewelry, perfume, and silk fabrics instead. This stark contrast in burial goods highlights the deeply ingrained gender roles and expectations in Roman society, even extending beyond life into death rituals.
Insights into Roman Burial Practices
The discovery of the Carmona tomb has significantly enhanced our understanding of Roman burial practices. Alongside wine, other liquids such as oils and perfumes were commonly used in burials, serving both ritualistic and practical purposes. The tomb's contents revealed a complex system of beliefs surrounding the afterlife, with items like jewelry, perfume, and wine intended to accompany the deceased on their journey. The presence of a gold ring bearing the image of Janus, the Roman god associated with transitions, underscores the symbolic importance of these burial goods. Additionally, the use of patchouli-scented perfume in the tomb highlights the extensive trade networks of ancient Rome, as patchouli was derived from plants native to India.
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