The Ancient City of Hadrianopolis Revealed a 'Bronze Filter' for Beverages, Found to Separate Particles From Liquids

The ruins of Hadrianopolis in Turkey have produced another rare finding for archaeologists. Following the discovery of Roman bathhouses, tombs, monuments, mosaics, and fortresses, archaeologists have now unearthed an apparatus, that reflects the expertise of the community in those times, stated All That's Interesting. The excavations are being done as part of the "Heritage for the Future Project," which aims to discover the country's ancient history and preserve its artifacts.

Archaeologists unearthed a bronze beverage filter from the ancient Greek city in 2024. As per examinations, the artifact dates back to the 5th century C.E. Archaeologists believe the tool's main purpose was to purify beverages. Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş, an archaeologist who led the study explained that the tool must have been used to separate liquid from the pulp and large grains present in the drink. 

The artifact measured 3.6 inches in size and sported small perforations. Researchers explained that the appliance was fixed with a straw made of reed, which would help it to separate the unwanted solid particles. This will further pave the way for the liquid to enter the user's mouth. 1,600 years ago, agriculture was thriving in the area. Fruits like grapes and apples and grains such as barley and wheat began being produced in huge quantities. The crops made it easy for the community to make beverages.

Beverages like wine, beer, and fruit juices soon became popular, and in a bid to have a better drinking experience, these filters were possibly designed, as per experts. "We see that while drinking these beverages, people attached this filter to the end of straws made from plant materials such as reeds and canes, allowing the beverages to be both filtered and drunk comfortably," Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş explained. The discovery indicated to experts, how much societies in those times prioritized cleanliness and hygiene in their daily lives.

Researchers also noted that these filters were used repeatedly. The assertion was made based on the carrying ring attached to the appliance. "We understand that this object, which is approximately 9.2 centimeters (3.6 inches) long, has a conical shape and a carrying ring on it, was not used by people in ancient times just once. This carrying ring shows us that it was cleaned and preserved after use and used repeatedly. There are holes on this conical bronze object and these holes also perform the function of a filter," the research team stated. This finding made researchers understand that not only did the ancient groups have access to a huge variety of crops, but they also invested efforts in building technologies that would enable them to consume agricultural products in a healthier and more sophisticated manner.

For a long time, researchers have been exploring Hadrianopolis because of its long history. The city was inhabited between the 1st century B.C.E. and the 8th century C.E. The establishment was named after the Roman emperor Hadrian and was the birthplace of many saints. In 2003, researchers unearthed several mosaics lining around 14 structures in the city. This discovery and others have enhanced the area's reputation as a tourist spot.