Surprising evidence of ancient people's drinking habits

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In the 19th century, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann unexpectedly discovered the ruins of ancient Troy in Hisarlik, Turkey during an expedition. Since then, many experts and scientists have conducted excavations and made interesting discoveries. Photo: Ancient-origins.

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Recently, a team of researchers from the Universities of Tübingen, Bonn and Jena discovered for the first time evidence of wine drinking in ancient Troy . Photo: University of Tübingen.

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Specifically, the team of experts discovered that not only the elite in Troy but also ordinary people drank alcohol. This is in contrast to the alcohol consumption model reserved for the elite in many other parts of the world. Photo: Kizildeniz/CC BY-SA 4.0.

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More than 100 depas cups (depas amphikypellon) have been found by archaeologists in Troy. These cups were made of clay, 12-40 cm high, thin, with two handles. Each cup could hold 0.25 - 1 liter of liquid. Photo: Winstonza/CC BY-SA 3.0.

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According to experts, the depas cups date from 2500 BC to 2000 BC. Photo: Blum, et.al/American Journal of Archaeology.

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Dr Stephan Blum of the University of Tübingen and co-author of the study said that archaeologist Schliemann speculated that the depas cups were passed around by the people of Troy during celebrations. Photo: Blum, et.al/American Journal of Archaeology.

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The discovery of depas cups in Troy with sediment at the bottom suggests that they were used for drinking wine. Photo: Blum, et.al/American Journal of Archaeology.

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Wine was an expensive drink during the Bronze Age, and depas cups were also highly valued. The fact that they were found in many places in Troy, from palaces to private homes, shows that wine was a popular drink across all levels of society. From the upper class to the common people, depas cups were used to drink wine quite regularly. Photo: Schuppi / CC BY-SA 4.0.