The Oldest Unopened Bottle of Wine in the World (C. 350 AD) [2017/2025]
2 days ago
- #archaeology
- #Roman history
- #ancient wine
- The Römerwein, or Speyer wine bottle, is the oldest known unopened wine bottle, dating back to 325-359 AD.
- Discovered in a 4th century AD Roman nobleman’s tomb in Germany, the bottle remains sealed due to uncertainty about the liquid's reaction to air.
- The wine inside likely has lost most of its ethanol content and is diluted with a mix of herbs.
- The bottle is displayed at the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany.
- Scientists at the University of Catania in Sicily recreated ancient Roman wine-making techniques in 2013, following historical guides.
- Ancient Romans added honey, water, and herbs to their wine and were known for drunken carousing, unlike modern Italians who drink moderately.