2,300-year-old wine found near Great Wall ruin reveals ancient brewing secrets

The Great Wall of China, a symbol of ancient Chinese architectural prowess, stretches back 2,300 years to the Warring States period (325-251 BC). Recently, archaeologists unearthed a remarkably well-preserved bronze wine vessel near the Shanjiabao cemetery, situated just 2km from the Qin Great Wall ruins. This extraordinary find, described in a June 2024 issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science, sheds light on the brewing techniques and cereal usage of the Qin people.

The Ningxia Institute of Archaeology initiated excavations at the Shanjiabao Cemetery in March 2024, uncovering a total of 183 tombs from the Warring States period, with 179 belonging to the Qin culture. Among these tombs, Tomb No 39 yielded 3,740 millilitres of ancient liquid residue from a distinctive bronze jar, a symbol of Qin culture. This sealed jar, equipped with a textile inner lining and an outer layer of organic clay, managed to retain the ancient wine remarkably well, even after 2,000 years.

The analysis of the liquid residue revealed a complex mix of organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and other compounds, predominantly derived from broomcorn millet. This discovery provides crucial insights into the winemaking practices of the Qin people and enriches our understanding of ancient Chinese brewing technology. The find is particularly significant because it suggests that a Qin soldier stationed along the Great Wall, perhaps a member of the garrison troops, took pleasure in wine and had his favorite bronze vessel buried alongside him.