2k-year-old wine and the uncanny immediacy of the past
In 2019, a Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain, revealed the oldest known wine, alongside well-preserved artifacts, emphasizing ordinary lives and challenging traditional historical narratives focused on famous figures.
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In 2019, construction workers in Carmona, Spain, discovered a sealed Roman tomb dating back 2,000 years, which contained a glass urn with cremated remains and five liters of a reddish liquid. This liquid was later confirmed to be the oldest known wine, predating the previous record holder by three centuries. The tomb's remarkable preservation included vivid painted decorations and various artifacts, such as Baltic amber and a crystal flask of patchouli perfume. The wine, a white variety similar to modern fino sherry, highlights the intersection of science, technology, and history in archaeological discoveries. Such artifacts, including the Pazyryk carpet and the Sword of Goujian, provide a visceral connection to the past, allowing us to imagine the everyday lives of people from ancient times. These well-preserved objects challenge the traditional view of history, which often focuses on famous figures and events, by reminding us that ordinary people engaged in daily activities, such as drinking wine and baking bread. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the texture of past lives beyond iconic cultural products.
- A 2,000-year-old Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain, revealed the oldest known wine.
- The wine is a white variety similar to modern fino sherry, showcasing ancient winemaking practices.
- Well-preserved artifacts provide a tangible connection to everyday life in ancient times.
- Discoveries like this challenge the focus on famous historical figures and events, highlighting ordinary people's experiences.
- The intersection of science and archaeology enhances our understanding of historical artifacts.
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- Many commenters appreciate how artifacts, like the wine and other historical objects, create a tangible link to everyday lives in history.
- There is curiosity about the preservation of the wine and questions regarding its safety and the science behind its longevity.
- Several users draw parallels between historical texts and modern experiences, emphasizing the relatability of historical figures.
- Some comments highlight the significance of branding and personal touches in ancient artifacts, such as the baker's stamp on bread.
- Humor and light-heartedness are present, with comments about the quality of ancient wine and the excitement of discovering old things.
17 commentsMy favorite example is the writings of Onfim, who was a little boy in the 1200s in present day Russia whose scribbling and homework were exquisitely preserved on birch bark fragments. It’s so immediately recognizable as a little boy’s endearing doodles about knights and imaginary beasts, yet its 800 years old.
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But, as they say, an American thinks that 100 years is a long time while a European thinks that 100 miles is a long way.
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