The oldest bottle of wine in the world was found in an ancient Roman burial site in Carmona, Spain, where it had remained untouched for around 2,000 years. The discovery was made by a family who stumbled upon the sunken tomb while working on their home in 2019. The wine was found in a glass funeral urn inside an old mausoleum and was confirmed to be wine with a reddish hue by a team of researchers who conducted tests.
The conservation conditions of the tomb were described as “extraordinary,” as the urn had been well-sealed for two millennia, allowing the wine to remain in its natural state for the most part. This discovery broke the previous record held by the Speyer wine bottle, which dates back to the fourth century AD and is preserved at the Historical Museum of Pfalz in Germany. The findings of the study conducted by the team of researchers were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, shedding light on this incredible archaeological find.
The team of researchers included the City of Carmona’s municipal archaeologist Juan Manuel Román and the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Cordoba. They expressed their surprise at finding liquid preserved in one of the funerary urns in the ancient tomb. The wine in the glass urn was confirmed to be the oldest bottle of wine in the world, surpassing the previous record set by the Speyer wine bottle discovered in 1867.
The discovery of the ancient bottle of wine in Carmona, Spain, highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The find adds to the growing body of archaeological evidence that sheds light on ancient Roman burial practices and the significance of wine in Roman culture. The well-preserved liquid in the glass urn provides valuable insight into the winemaking techniques and preservation methods used by the ancient Romans, offering a glimpse into the past.
The team’s study of the ancient bottle of wine in Carmona showcases the importance of archaeological research in uncovering hidden treasures from the past. The careful preservation of the tomb’s contents over two millennia allowed for the remarkable discovery of the oldest bottle of wine in the world. This find not only contributes to our understanding of ancient Roman civilization but also underscores the enduring appeal of wine as a cultural and historical artifact.
The world’s oldest bottle of wine found in Carmona, Spain, is a significant archaeological discovery that offers a window into the past of ancient Roman society. The well-sealed tomb and extraordinary conservation conditions preserved the wine for centuries, allowing researchers to confirm its age and authenticity. This groundbreaking find adds to the cultural and historical legacy of the region and provides valuable insights into ancient winemaking practices and burial customs.
