In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists from the University of Vienna have unearthed sealed jars of wine dating back to 3,000 BC in the tomb of Queen Meret-Neith in Abydos, Egypt. The find, considered one of the oldest ever, sheds light on the powerful queen, who researchers suggest may have been the first female pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
The tomb complex, a monumental structure constructed with unbaked mud bricks, clay, and wood, stands as a testament to Queen Meret-Neith’s historical significance. She holds the distinction of being the sole woman with her own monumental tomb in Egypt’s initial royal cemetery at Abydos.
Among the myriad “grave goods” discovered were hundreds of well-preserved wine jars, some still sealed in their original state. The age of these artifacts is estimated at 5,000 years, making them a remarkable archaeological find. While the once-liquid contents have transformed over time, researchers remain in the dark about whether the wine was red or white.
A German-Austrian team led by archaeologist Christiana Köhler from the University of Vienna is investigating the tomb of Queen Meret-Neith in Abydos, Egypt.
She was the most powerful woman in the period around 3,000 BC.
Recent excavations uncovered 5,000-year-old wine and other… pic.twitter.com/u8duMVVIu7— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) October 10, 2023
The excavation, led by Professor Christiana Köhler and her German-Austrian team of researchers, has provided valuable insights into Queen Meret-Neith’s role in central government offices, particularly overseeing the treasury. The discovery of organic residue, grape seeds, and crystals in the sealed jars has prompted ongoing scientific analysis, offering a glimpse into the diet and customs of this ancient civilization.
“The new excavations bring to light exciting new information about this unique woman and her time,” noted Professor Köhler. The team’s meticulous excavation methods, coupled with advanced archaeological technologies, revealed that the tombs were constructed in multiple phases over an extended period.
Collaborating with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the German Archaeological Institute in Cairo, and other institutions including the Vienna University of Technology in Austria and Lund University in Sweden, the research team is committed to unraveling the mysteries surrounding Queen Meret-Neith and the ancient treasures buried in her tomb.
This remarkable discovery not only adds to the growing body of knowledge about Ancient Egypt but also underscores the significant role of Queen Meret-Neith, a powerful woman who left an indelible mark on history. As researchers continue their meticulous analysis, the sealed jars of wine stand as a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the rituals and customs of a civilization that thrived millennia ago.
