Archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of sealed wine amphorae containing 5,000-year-old wine residue in Queen Meret-Neith's tomb in Abydos, Egypt. The excavation, spearheaded by Christiana Kohler from the University of Vienna, offers invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian winemaking practices and royal burial rituals during the early dynastic period (circa 3000 BC).
The discovery within Queen Meret-Neith's tomb complex suggests her significant power, potentially as the first female pharaoh. Inscriptions indicate her oversight of central government offices, including the treasury. The intact stoppers on the wine jugs highlight wine's cultural importance in royal burials.
Chemical residue analysis promises to reveal the wine's flavor profiles and any additives, providing an unprecedented understanding of ancient recipes and winemaking techniques. The tomb complex, which also includes the graves of 41 courtiers and servants, challenges previous theories about ritual human sacrifice during the First Dynasty. This find offers a glimpse into the sophisticated practices of early Egyptian society and their reverence for wine in both daily life and ceremonial contexts.