Wine drinking in ancient Troy was not confined to the upper classes, contrary to longstanding beliefs, according to new research from the University of Tübingen. This discovery challenges previous assumptions, showing that wine was consumed widely, including by commoners, and was not solely reserved for elite ceremonies or religious rituals.
The debate about Troy’s wine culture began with German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann’s excavations in the late 19th century. Schliemann, renowned for identifying the site of Troy and uncovering the “treasure of Priam,” also found a number of distinctive double-handled goblets, the depas amphikypellon, which he believed were used by the royal elite for drinking wine or in ritual offerings to the gods. Despite controversies surrounding Schliemann’s interpretations, his hypothesis about the role of these vessels in early Bronze Age Troy was widely accepted.
However, recent archaeological investigations by the University of Tübingen, which continued through 2012, have provided new insights. As part of a broader study, researchers analyzed a variety of artifacts uncovered at Troy, particularly focusing on the organic residues inside drinking vessels. Advanced scientific techniques, such as the analysis of organic residues (ORA), have become increasingly important in archaeological studies, revealing what ancient inhabitants consumed and used in their daily lives.
Among the key findings were ceramic goblets, which have been identified in numerous locations across Troy, including the outer settlements, suggesting a broader consumption of wine than previously thought. This discovery prompted researchers to question whether these vessels were used solely by the elite or whether they were shared by everyday people—farmers, craftsmen, and others in the community.
To verify the use of these vessels for drinking wine, researchers conducted organic residue analysis on two ceramic fragments from the Tübingen collection. The results were striking: both fragments contained tartaric acid, a chemical marker strongly associated with grape-based products like wine. This confirmed that the vessels were indeed used for wine consumption. Further tests on simple drinking cups, which were more common in Troy, revealed the same organic residues, further suggesting that wine was not a privilege of the wealthy.
This evidence challenges the traditional view that wine was exclusively reserved for Troy’s elite. While wine may have been considered a precious commodity in some parts of the ancient world, Troy’s location in an area favorable for grape cultivation likely made wine more accessible to all social classes. The new research highlights that the consumption of wine was a part of everyday life for a wide range of people in Troy, not just the elite.
This revelation calls for a reevaluation of wine consumption practices in other early Bronze Age sites across the Aegean and Anatolian regions. While it’s possible that Troy represents an exception to the norm, further molecular analyses could provide a clearer picture of wine’s role in other ancient societies.
Stephan Blum, a research associate at the University of Tübingen and a member of the Troy Project, notes that these findings shed new light on the social dynamics of ancient Troy. The study not only revises our understanding of who drank wine but also underscores the importance of scientific methods in unraveling the everyday practices of ancient peoples.
This research provides a new lens through which to view the role of wine in ancient Troy, offering a more inclusive perspective on the social life and customs of one of history’s most storied civilizations.
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