Who Drank Wine in Ancient Troy? New Research Suggests Just About Everyone

The ancient depas goblet, often associated with the mythological double goblet mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, has long been a subject of speculation among archaeologists. Recently, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying chemical residues linked to wine in goblets unearthed at Hisarlik, the site believed to be ancient Troy.

Heinrich Schliemann, the German businessman and amateur archaeologist who excavated the site in the 1870s, uncovered over 100 depas goblets dating back to 2500-2000 B.C.E. These goblets, with their slender necks and large handles, have been a source of intrigue for scholars for decades.

In a new study published in the American Journal of Archaeology, researchers analyzed samples from two vessel fragments excavated by Schliemann. By detecting succinic and pyruvic acids associated with alcoholic fermentation, they were able to confirm that wine was indeed consumed from these goblets.

Contrary to previous beliefs that wine was a beverage reserved for the elite, the study revealed that even common vessels found in the outer settlement of Troy contained traces of wine. This suggests that wine was a widely consumed drink among both the upper class and common people during the third millennium B.C.E.

These findings challenge existing notions about ancient wine consumption and shed light on the social dynamics of the time. Further research into wine-drinking practices at other archaeological sites is expected to provide more insights into the role of wine in ancient societies.

As archaeologist Stephan Blum notes, the discovery confirms that the depas goblet was used for wine consumption, but the exact significance of this practice—whether it was tied to religious rituals or simply part of daily life—remains a topic for further investigation.