Home / Science / Rare 2,200-Year-Old Drink Unearthed in Qin Tomb
Rare 2,200-Year-Old Drink Unearthed in Qin Tomb
10 Aug
Summary
- A 2,200-year-old alcoholic beverage was found in a Qin tomb.
- The liquid was preserved in a bronze vessel with a garlic-shaped mouth.
- Researchers identified it as a rare, cereal-based fermented grain drink.
Archaeologists have discovered a remarkable ancient beverage preserved for over 2,200 years within a Qin tomb. The liquid, found sealed in a bronze vessel at the Shanjiabao cemetery, dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.).
Researchers identified the clear, light blue-green liquid as an exceptionally well-preserved, cereal-based alcoholic beverage. It contained an impressive 3,740 milliliters, a volume considered rare for archaeological samples from this era. The bronze vessel featured a distinctive garlic-shaped mouth, commonly used for storing drinks by the Qin people.
Analysis revealed the beverage was primarily brewed from broomcorn millet, with contributions from wheat and/or barley. Scientists noted high concentrations of lactic and oxalic acids. Ongoing research aims to understand the factors contributing to its remarkable preservation over two millennia.
