Recently, archaeologists uncovered a surprising find in the ancient Roman necropolis of Carmo in what is now Spain. While excavating a mausoleum believed to belong to a specific family, they stumbled upon a sealed glass urn that contained liquid which turned out to be wine. What sets this discovery apart is the fact that the wine also contained the cremated remains of a Roman man, making it a truly unique and somewhat morbid find.
Chemist Daniel Cosano of the University of Cordoba led a team of researchers who conducted a series of chemical analyses on the ancient wine. The pH of the liquid, organic matter content, mineral salt profile, and polyphenol presence were all examined. Despite the wine’s reddish color, it was determined that it was originally a white varietal, as evidenced by the absence of syringic acid, a polyphenol typically found in red wine.
The researchers tried to narrow down the possible origins of the wine by comparing it to modern wines from nearby regions such as Montilla-Moriles, Jerez, and Sanlúcar. While they couldn’t definitively pinpoint the exact origin, the chemical composition of the wine bore similarities to local modern wines, particularly those from Montilla-Moriles. This region is known for producing sweet wines, similar to the ancient Roman vintage found in the mausoleum.
Pouring wine onto the cremated remains of a loved one was a common funerary practice in ancient Roman times. While not all Roman burials included wine, it was a significant part of some individuals’ funeral rites. In this case, the Roman man buried in the urn of wine was laid to rest alongside five other individuals, including a woman named Hispana, who was interred with amber jewels, a crystal jar containing patchouli, and silk fabric.
While the discovery of the world’s oldest known vintage is intriguing, there are still unanswered questions surrounding the wine and its origins. The presence of human remains within the jar raises speculation about the circumstances that led to the wine being sealed with the cremated remains of the Roman man. Was it a deliberate act or a result of some accidental seepage? The exact reasons remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of this ancient find.
The unearthing of the Roman man buried in wine adds a unique chapter to the annals of ancient history. The preservation of the liquid after 2,000 years, along with the luxurious grave goods found in the mausoleum, provides valuable insights into the burial practices and customs of the ancient Romans. While the peculiar discovery may raise eyebrows and prompt further research, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the ways in which the past continues to surprise and fascinate us.
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