China discovered an almost 4-liter vessel with ancient millet beer
- A metal vessel containing nearly 4 liters of ancient beer has been found.
- The beverage is made from millet, over 2000 years old.
- The object belongs to a burial site from the Warring States period in Ningxia Hui.
- Research confirms the presence of fermentation typical of beer.
During excavations in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in northwest China, a team of archaeologists led by Ruru Chen from Northwest University in Xi'an discovered a metal vessel that contained remnants of a liquid product. The vessel was found in a burial complex dated to the Warring States period (around 475–221 BC).
The analysis of the contents showed that the vessel contained almost four liters of liquid, making the find one of the largest preserved ancient alcoholic beverages by volume. The chemical spectrum indicates that the drink was made from millet – a grain widely used in ancient Chinese agriculture.
Chemical composition and production technology
Studies published in the journal Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, the presence of enzymatic products characteristic of fermentation, as well as traces of aromatic compounds typical of beer beverages, was identified. This confirms that the ancient inhabitants of China were able to ferment millet, producing a drink similar to modern beer, but with differences in taste and composition.
The preparation method likely involved soaking the millet, sprouting it, and then fermenting it in conditions provided by a metal vessel that retained heat and protected the contents from external contamination.
Historical context
The Warring States period is known for the intense development of technologies, the growth of cities, and the strengthening of social differences. The emergence of alcoholic beverages, including beer, indicates the development of culinary traditions and the role of alcohol in ritual and everyday practices. Drinking millet was likely used as part of burial rites, symbolizing prosperity and a connection with ancestors.
The presence of a metal vessel indicates a high level of metallurgy at that time. Such vessels were often used for ritual purposes, and their preservation allows scholars to obtain unique data about the technological level and cultural habits of ancient Chinese people.
The discovery expands the understanding of the diversity of ancient alcoholic beverages in China. Previously known finds mainly related to rice wine (mijiu) and honey alcohol. The discovery of millet beer confirms that there were several parallel traditions of alcoholic beverage production in ancient China, adapted to the available agricultural resources.
Scholars plan to continue research, including a more detailed analysis of microscopic residues and comparison with similar finds in neighboring regions. Such studies will help clarify how widely millet beer was used and which social groups had access to it.
Source: N+1
