'5000-Year-Old Wine?'... Large Wine Jar Discovered in Egyptian Queen's Tomb

Residue Such as Grape Seeds Found in Jar
Researchers "Scientifically Analyzing Components"

A wine jar sealed 5,000 years ago was discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb, drawing significant attention.

On the 15th (local time), according to The Times of India and others, an international archaeological team led by Christina K?hler, an archaeologist from the University of Vienna, discovered hundreds of large wine jars in the tomb of Queen Merneith of the 1st Dynasty located in Abydos, Egypt. Some of the jars are reported to be well-preserved.

Jars storing wine. [Image source=Christina Koeller research team]

K?hler released a statement last week saying, "The wine was no longer in liquid form, and it was impossible to tell whether it was red or white wine," adding, "Grape seeds, skins, tin, and residues were found in the jars, and all of these are currently being scientifically analyzed."

She continued, "This is likely the second oldest direct evidence of wine in human history," and "the oldest wine was discovered in Abydos."

Grape seeds recovered from a wine jar. [Image source=Christina Koeller research team]

The research team believes that Queen Merneith likely played an important role in Egypt's 1st Dynasty. Based on inscriptions engraved in the tomb, it is believed that around 3000 BCE, she was responsible for roles similar to those of a treasury or government institution.

The New York Post stated, "Queen Merneith was the only woman to own her monumental tomb in Egypt's first royal cemetery located in Abydos." Additionally, the science media outlet Science Alert speculated, "Given that Queen Merneith's tomb is similar in size to those of men, she was probably the most powerful woman of her time."

K?hler said, "Through the wine found in the tomb, we were able to discover interesting and new information about Queen Merneith and her era."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.