Researchers have recreated the wine of the Chinese emperor, rewriting the history of alcohol. (Photo)

Archaeologists have recreated distilled wine using a replica of an ancient bronze vessel discovered in an imperial tomb. This finding redefines the timeline of alcohol distillation technology in China and highlights the advanced ingenuity of the Western Han dynasty, writes Arkeonews.

The researchers' experiment indicates that the art of distilling alcoholic beverages existed as early as the Western Han dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD), challenging previous beliefs that distillation technology first emerged during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 AD) and predating these assumptions by approximately 1,000 years. The wine was produced using methods believed to reflect the techniques of that era.

The bronze vessel was discovered in the tomb of Liu He, the ninth emperor of the Western Han dynasty, who ruled for only 27 days in 74 BC. He was overthrown by high officials with the support of the empress, who gathered compromising evidence against him and brought 1,127 charges. Liu He was not given a posthumous name, and the period of his reign was erased from the calendar.

In his tomb, found in 2011 in eastern China, numerous historical artifacts were uncovered, including the oldest known painting of Confucius in China—a rare image that provides insight into early Confucian ideals—as well as over 6,000 pieces of composite armor made from iron, copper, and lacquered leather, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship and military innovations of the Western Han dynasty.

The process of alcohol distillation has long been a subject of historical interest. According to the text by the Ming dynasty Chinese pharmacist and physician Li Shizhen, "Compendium of Materia Medica," also known as "Bencao Gangmu," alcohol distillation was first recorded during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 AD).

However, this discovery pushes its origins back centuries. Researchers from the Zhengzhou University Center for the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage recreated the distillation process using a replica of the device modeled after the one found in Liu He’s tomb.

The bronze distiller, consisting of a main pot known as the "celestial pot," a cylindrical vessel, and a boiler, was originally located in the wine storage chamber of the tomb.

Archaeologist Zhang Zhongli from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and project leader for the tomb excavations explained that the team created a distiller half the size for testing purposes.

The results showed that the distillation efficiency exceeds 70%, preserving both the aroma and alcohol concentration in the beverages. While previous hypotheses suggested that the distiller was used for purifying cinnamon or floral essences, the analysis of residues and the vessel's design confirmed its primary purpose—alcohol production.

This discovery not only serves as a testament to the ingenuity of early Chinese craftsmen but also provides valuable insights into ancient brewing and distillation practices. By bridging the gap between historical texts and material artifacts, researchers offer a fresh perspective on the technological achievements of the Western Han dynasty.

We also reported on the most significant findings of 2024 in Egypt. Archaeologists uncovered invaluable artifacts, tombs, and even evidence of some of the earliest surgical operations in the world.