2,300-Year-Old Alcoholic Beverage Found in Ancient Chinese Cemetery
Archaeologists in China have discovered a well-preserved alcoholic beverage in a bronze vessel from a cemetery near the Great Wall, dating back to the Warring States Period. The drink, made primarily from broomcorn millet with traces of wheat and barley, was sealed with a double-layer technique that kept it intact for over two millennia.
Archaeologists in northern China have uncovered a 2,300-year-old alcoholic beverage preserved in a bronze vessel from the Shanjaibao cemetery in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The discovery, made by the Ningxia Institute of Archaeology, sheds light on ancient brewing practices and burial customs of the Qin state during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.).
The vessel, found near a stretch of the Great Wall, contained just under a gallon of liquid that remained intact due to a sophisticated sealing method. Researchers identified a double-layer technique involving a textile inner lining and an outer clay coating, which protected the contents for centuries. The cemetery is believed to hold the graves of both local residents and troops stationed at nearby fortifications.
## Analysis of the Ancient Beverage
Chemical analysis of the liquid revealed 24 different compounds, including amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that the beverage was primarily made from broomcorn millet, with smaller amounts of wheat and barley. The drink’s composition provides insights into the dietary and cultural practices of the time.
The discovery was made in the Yuanzhou District, just over a mile from a 100-mile section of the Great Wall built by the Qin state. The cemetery’s proximity to the wall suggests it may have served as a burial site for soldiers and civilians alike. The vessel’s contents were remarkably well-preserved, offering a rare glimpse into the culinary traditions of ancient China.
## Significance of the Find
This discovery highlights the advanced brewing techniques of the Warring States Period and the importance of alcoholic beverages in ancient Chinese culture. The double-layer sealing method demonstrates the ingenuity of the time, ensuring the beverage’s longevity. Further research may uncover more about the social and ritualistic roles of alcohol in Qin society.
For more on ancient alcoholic beverages, see "Alcohol Through the Ages" in *Archaeology* magazine.
