6 articles · Updated · en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br · May 24
A sealed bronze bottle from tomb M39 near the Great Wall of Qin was found to contain about 15 cups of a 2,300-year-old alcoholic drink, giving researchers a rare direct sample from the Qin state period.
Molecular analysis of sediments in the vessel’s pores detected malted grains, yeasts and other fermentation markers, confirming the liquid was an ancient beer rather than later contamination.
More than 2,400 unique chemical compounds were identified in the pale blue-green, odorless residue—far above a control soil sample—supporting the conclusion that the contents were preserved organic remains.
The study says the drink was likely thick, cloudy and porridge-like rather than modern clear beer, reflecting Qin-era cereal use, sealing methods and fermentation technology.
Because the bottle came from a funerary setting, the find also points to alcohol’s role in burial offerings and broader Qin ritual and dietary practices.
Could scientists revive 2,300-year-old yeast to recreate the beer drunk by China's first imperial soldiers?
Why did Qin brewers use barley and millet when ancient historical texts only ever mentioned rice?