Wine Pre History

Wine Pre-history
By Brodie Comer

Introduction
Wine has played a very significant role in society and human
history dating back as far as the most early documented
civilizations in human history.
In this slideshow the first evidence of wine grapes and
theories behind the first discovery of grape fermentation such
as the Paleolithicaltheory will be discussed.

Introduction cont…..
The development and growth of wines discovery and viticulture
will also be discussed along with the various uses and roles
wine has played in primitive societies; such as ceremonies
and rituals, religion, war, ancient high society and as an
ancient medicine.
Wine played an important role in ancient society as it continues
to do so in our society today.

First evidence of wine grapes
According toAlhoff, F.(2008); “The family of Viticae –
(wine grapes) can be traced back to the plant Ampelopsis from
500 million years ago….
…The Viticae family is traced back to 50 million years ago from
fossil seeds and leaf impressions found by archeologists in
North Eastern Europe.”

The Paleolithical theory: the first discovery of wine grapes and grape fermentation
McGovern, P. E. (2003), has a theory based on other theories
by historians and archeologists that the first encounter
humans would have had with wine grapes would have been
2 million years ago when humans (homo sapiens) migrated
from East Africa into the middle east. It is believed that in
Turkey, Iran, Palestine or Israel at this time (which has been
named the Paleolithical period of human history) that
humans would have first discovered grapes after seeing birds
eating them which as a result would have influenced them to
first try grapes.

The Paleolithical theory: the first discovery of wine grapes and grape fermentation cont…
P. E, McGovern. (2003), theorizes that the discovery of grape
fermentation may have been as a result of the caveman/
woman gathering “up as many of the berries as possible, perhaps
into an animal hide or even a wooden container that has
been crudely hollowed out……depending on the grapes ripeness,
the skins of some rapture and exude their juice, under
the accumulated weight of the grape mass. If the grapes are then
left in their ‘container’, gradually being eaten over the next day
or two, this juice will ferment owing to the natural yeast ‘bloom’
on the skins and become a low-alcoholic wine………….

The Paleolithical theory: the first discovery of wine grapes and grape fermentation cont…
…. Reaching the bottom of the ‘barrel’ our imagined cavemen
or woman will dabble a finger in the concoction , lick it and
be pleasantly surprised by the mildly intoxicating beverage that
has been produced accidentally. More intentional squeezings
might then ensue.”

Paleolithical period: “Stone-age beaujoulaisnouveau”.
Douro’s stone vessels have been found dating back to this
time period and archeologists believed they contained wine.
Due to the nature of the way that grape fermentation would
have been discovered in the paleolithical period the grapes
would have undergone carbonic maceration from the
grape bunches having a few of the grapes at the bottom of
the vessel splitting under the weight of the other grapes
and beginning fermentation….so the cavemen/woman
would have been unintentionally making what has been
dubbed a “stone-age beajoulais nouveau”.

Neolithical period: large scale wine-making begins
The Neolithical period from 8500 BC – 4000 BC was the first time
in human pre-history when the necessary
preconditions came together for the innovation of viticulture.
The Neolithical period is the time when large scale
wine-making began, there is chemical evidence that supports this in
Neoltihical pottery vessels found that had contained wine in
various Neolithical sites.

Neolithical period: Georgia
It is believed that the first wine-making began in Shulaveri which is modern day Georgia around 6000 BC as a result of pottery vessels found in archeolicigalsites in valleys in Georgia containing organic material which has been tested and is believed to be wine.
Large concentrations of grape pips have also been found in these sites dating back to this time period which also supports this idea.
As many as 500 different wild grape varieties have been discovered in Georgia with as many as 65 in production today.

Neolithical period: Iran
It is believed that in about 5,400 BC wine making spread
from Georgia into modern day Iran.
Pottery vessels containing a residue of organic material tested
and believed to be wine have been found in Archeological sites
of HajiFiruzIepe in the Zagros Mountains dating between
5,400 BC to 5,000 BC.
There are many references in Ancient Iranian poetry dating back
to this time time period to drinking wine as being a part
of celebration and ceremony.

Bronze Age: Wine-making spreads to lower Mesopotomia and Ancient Egypt
Pottery vessels found in archeological sites of Late Uruk in
Lower Mesopotomia have also been found to contain wine
residue it is from here that wine-making most likely spread
to Ancient Egypt.
In around 3000 BC grape cultivation began in Levant in Egypt
and as a result of this grape cultivation the royal wine industry
was established in the Nile Delta in 3,200 BC.
From here wine-making spread to Ancient Rome and Europe
and then into Ancient China.

Golden Age: Ancient Roman wine and wine-making in Ancient China
Wine-making spread from Egypt into Ancient Rome and it is
during the Golden Age that wine-making really evolved with
the development of Grand Cru vineyards in 200 BC.
It is also during this time that wine-making began in Ancient
China as a result of Zhang Qians explorations into Europe following
the Han Dynasty.
Knowledge of wine-making was brought back to Ancient
China and viticulture began with wild Eurasian grapes found
growing in China. The picture to the right is a bronze wine
storage container from the Shang Dynasty c. 1600-1046 BC.

Ancient Viticulture: Romans leading the way
It could be said that the Romans were the pioneers and
innovators of viticulture in the ancient world. They were the first
to start trellising their vines on stakes for canopy management
and to start the practice of controlling sun exposure to grapes
by trimming foliage etc. Previouslyvines were trained to grow
up tree trunks next to the vines.
The early Romans were also the first to plant their vines on hills
in order to let cool air run down through the vines and also
for effective water irrigation.

Ancient viticulture: Medieval times
It is during the middle ages in which the viticultural practices
of studying varietals and the suitability of specific vines to
specific area’s was developed and became common
viticultural technique throughout all of the countries in which
wine was growen.

Ancient viniculture: Wine pressing
The earliest archeological findings to give insight into how wine
was made in ancient times has been found in Israel, Jordan
and Palestine also known as the “Holy Land”. In the hills of
these countries wine presses in the form of stone bases have
been found. Ancient vintners would have put the grapes into
the basins and stomped on them to release the juice and
these would have had “square-cut or circular basins, connected
by channels in series along a hillside, [which] were almost
certainly used to separate grape must from its pomace of
skins, seeds and other matter”,McGovern, P.E. (2003).

Ancient viniculture: wine preservation
During the Neolithical period in Ancient Greece and Eqypt
Terenbith tree resin was added to wine as a method of
preservation and was the most popular and widespread additive
in wines of the ancient world. It continued to be added to wine as
a method of preservation for thousands of years.
Along with Terenbith tree resin, honey, water,herbs and
spices were also added to wine as a method of
‘preservation’, however rather than preserving the wine it
masked the off flavours and odours of the wine once it had
become oxidized.

Ancient Viticulture: wine preservation cont…..
There is also other evidence from wine jars found still in tact in
old ship wrecks dated back to the Pheonician’s that olive oil
and tree resin was used as a method of preserving wine. The
jars found in the ship wreck showed that the jars were coated
with tree resin before adding the wine, olive oil was poured on
top of the wine once it was poured into the jars which created
a film over the wine and then the top of the jar and rim of the
jar was coated in resin to seal the jar.

Ancient viniculture: Aging wine
In Monastrialii, Greece jars have been found dating back to 1700
BC containing wine that shows evidence that the Ancient
Greeks were most likely the first to start using oak to age their
wine and give the wine more character. Oak compounds have
been found in these jars containing resin wine.
McGovern, P.E. (2003) states, “ This amazing finding….implies
MM Winemakers intentionally introduced oak flavourant…
either directly by adding chips or oak resin itself…or indirectly
by stomping out the grapes in oaken wine-presses or,
more impressively aging the wine in oak barrels”.

Ancient viniculture: wine storage
In many Neolithical and Bronze Age sites there is evidence
of ancient vintners having ‘cellars’. In Egypt rooms filled with
levels of wooden slats which would have contained jars
are believed to be for the storage of wine.
In Jordan, Israel and Palestine there have been many stone
towers which have been found which are believed to have
been used for the storage of wine as the stone keeps the towers
at a cool moderate temperature. It is also believed that
these towers were used to store freshly picked grapes before
being pressed.

Wine in primitive societies: from ordinary drink to status symbol
Wine at first was a very ordinary part of everyday life in
ancient times. It was much safer to drink than water as there
was not the water sanitation we have today. Wine was added
to water to kill bacteria in the water making it safe to drink.
As wine developed and spread around the ancient world it become
a status symbol, especially in Ancient Greece during the 5th and
4th centuries BC where it was drunk after a meal during
a ‘Symposia’. A Symposia was a wine party where the guests
would retire to an Andron which was an architectural feature
often in the centre of the home.

Wine in primitive societies: wine as a status symbol
The wine would be mixed in a special bowl called a ‘Krater’ and
then the ceremony would be initiated with a toast to the Gods
and the guests ancestors. Throughout the evening wine
would continue to be drunk while having
philisophicall conversation.
The value of the wine being drunk would be assessed by its
Strength. Alhoff, F. (2008), “Now sweetness could be indicated
by the terms ‘glykys’ and ‘hedus’, the former being translated
as ‘sweet’ as in “sugary” and the latter ‘sweet’ as in “delightful”

Wine in primitive societies: wine as a status symbol.
The picture to the left is of a Creek boy
at a symposium from an ancient Greek
vase.
Wine was also important in ancient royal
marriages. Often children of Kings and
Queens of different royal kingdoms were married to each other
as a way of creating alliances between the Kingdoms. An amount
of wine was often negotiated as a “gift” to the Royals of
the daughter being married.

Wine in primitive societies: Religion and rituals
Ancient Greeks had a god of wine Dionysus and the Ancient
Romans had the god of wine Bacchus. Wine was often given as
a gift to the Gods during animal sacrifices.
Ancient Egyptians buried jars of wine in tombs with
mummified members of the royal family, believing that they
would be able to drink the wine in the after-life.
Many ancient cultures also believed vines sprung
from the blood of humans who fought against the
Gods.
To the left is a picture of Dionysus on an ancient
Greek vase.

Wine in primitive societies: Religion and rituals
In ancient society wine was an important part of ancient
religious rituals. Alhoff, F. (2008), “As symbol and metaphor
it became part of Christian and Jewish ritual. The culture of
wine spread, and so did its role as a catylyst for community,
for bringing together family and friends”.
It was used by Catholics in communion and by Christians
In Church as a symbol as the blood of Christ. A tradition
that lives on in both religions today.

Wine in primitive societies: wine as an ancient Weapon and Medicine
Wine as a weapon: The Cyclops used wine as a weapon.
It potency was a weapon when it was used against enemies
not used to drinking wine and its strength.
Wine as a medicine: In Ancient Greece wine was used as a
medicine for many common sicknesses, particularly it was
believed to be a cure for Hemlock poisoning and was added to
tree resin which was believed to have health giving properties.

Conclusion
In conclusion, since humans began exploring the world they
also discovered and explored wine and have over time continued
to develop viticulture and viniculture to be what it is today
through a slow evolution and discovery of wine varieties and
wine-making techniques.
Wine played an important part in ancient society, from
everyday life, religion and as a way of bringing together
community in ancient rituals. It was an important part
bringing together ancient kingdoms and bring people together
in celebration as it continues to do so today.

Bibliography
Alhoff, F. (2008). Wine & Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking
& Drinking. Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing.
McGovern, P.E. (2003) Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins
of Viniculture. Princeton, United States of America:
Princeton University Press.

References
Alhoff, F. (2008). Wine & Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking
& Drinking. Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing.
Fosters Group. History of Wine. Retrieved 31st July, 2009,
from http://www.fosters.com.au
McGovern, P.E. (2003). Ancient Wine: The Search for Origins
of Viniculture. Princeton, United States of America:
Princeton University Press.
University of Pensylvania. University of Pensylvania Museum
of Archeology & Anthropology presents: The Origins and
Ancient History of Wine. Retrieved 31st July, 2009, from,
http://www.museum.upenn.edu.

References
Walton, S. (2005). The Ultimate Book of Cocktails. London,
United Kingdom: Annes Publishing Ltd.
Wikipedia. History of Wine. Retrieved on 31st July, 2009,
from http://www.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia. Ancient Rome and Wine Expansion of
Viticulture. Retrieved on 31st July, 2009, from
http://www.wikipedia.org
Wine History. Retrieved on 31st of July, 2009, from
http://www.winepros.com

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