Researchers in China have uncovered a remarkable archaeological find: a large, sealed bronze vessel containing an alcoholic beverage that has remained preserved for over 2,200 years. The discovery was made in a tomb belonging to the Qin people during the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.) at the Shanjiabao cemetery in China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
The findings were detailed in the June issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. This ancient drink, determined to be a cereal-based alcoholic beverage, is a rare example where a significant volume of liquid, not just residue, was found. The vessel contained 3,740 milliliters, approximately 3.74 liters, of the preserved liquid.
Archaeologists expressed surprise at the exceptional state of preservation, especially given the sample's age. Ruru Chen, a researcher at Northwest University's School of Cultural Heritage in Xi'an, China, stated that such a high level of preservation for a sample from the Warring States period is extremely rare. The liquid was described as having no noticeable odor, with a small amount of sediment at the bottom, appearing clear and light blue-green.
The bronze bottle featured a distinctive "garlic-shaped mouth," a common design used by the Qin people for storing alcoholic beverages. Through a combination of organic chemistry, metabolomics, starch grain analysis, and yeast remains, researchers identified the primary ingredient as broomcorn millet, with smaller contributions from wheat and/or barley. This composition suggests the beverage was most similar to a non-distilled alcoholic drink.
The analysis also identified high concentrations of lactic and oxalic acids, consistent with an ancient cereal-based fermented beverage, rather than a distilled spirit.
Researchers are continuing to investigate the factors contributing to the liquid's remarkable preservation. While the relatively dry local environment is considered a significant factor, the bronze vessel itself, its sealing method, and the burial conditions are also suspected to have played a role. Future research aims to explore these questions further.
This discovery follows a similar recent find at a Bronze Age cemetery in northwestern China, where archaeologists found microscopic residue of fermented beverages brewed from millet, rice, wheat, and barley over 3,000 years ago. Researchers hope that this latest discovery will stimulate greater interest in the study of ancient Chinese alcoholic beverages and traditional brewing techniques.