A Toast to Trojans: Unveiling the Varied Classes of Malware and Their Intriguing Nature

Homer’s The Iliad offers a glimpse into the ancient world, depicting gods and mortals enjoying banquets with abundant wine. Recently, a study has revealed that wine was not just a beverage for the elite and divine but was also consumed by the common people of Troy.

New findings published in the American Journal of Archaeology have emerged from the excavations of Troy, which were initiated by Heinrich Schliemann over 150 years ago. Artifacts recovered from these sites include numerous depas goblets, clay vessels dating back to 2500-2000 BCE. These goblets were initially thought to signify the status of their owners as holders of wine, which was considered a luxury item during the Bronze Age.

A recent collaborative study from the Universities of Tübingen, Bonn, and Jena applied modern chemical analysis, examining two vessel fragments and identifying the presence of succinic and pyruvic acids—markers of wine fermentation. This evidence confirms that the liquid consumed from depas goblets was indeed wine and not mere grape juice.

Previously, most depas goblets had been discovered in royal or worship sites, leading experts to conclude that wine consumption was restricted to a privileged tier of society. However, the analysis of common cups found outside these central complexes indicates a broader access to wine than was once perceived. This suggests that residents of diverse social standings could partake in fermented grape beverages, providing new insight into the social dynamics of ancient Troy.

Although the frequency of wine consumption among the lower classes remains unclear, this research sheds light on the fact that wine was a shared pleasure among both the divine and the everyday citizen of Troy.

For further details, refer to the original study in the American Journal of Archaeology and insights provided by the University of Tübingen’s recent press release.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!