Archaeologists have uncovered ancient Roman wine refrigerators with troops eager to keep their juice fresh, proving that keeping wine cool isn't only a modern-day priority.
According to Ars Technica, wine and other perishable commodities were kept in a built-in ceramic structure by ancient Roman soldiers stationed along the Danube river 2000 years ago. The fourth century AD ceramic furnace that the archaeologists discovered also contained a set of wine glasses in addition to the wine refrigerator.
The castle at the Novae archaeological site, built in the first century AD and used to put down the Thracian revolt, has reportedly been home to two such cooling Roman wine fridges. Additionally, it served as a base for the Emperor Nero's first Italian Legion.
Another ceramic-made Roman wine fridge that was thought to have been used to store food and possibly beverages was discovered last year. The newly found refrigerator, however, was kept cold by a lead pipe that ran along one side and was attached to a system of aqueducts.
Three aqueducts provided water to the castle, which over time contained houses and a nearby civilian village. In the sixth century, when it ceased to be a Roman outpost, a cathedral was built on top of the fortress.
The information and pieces of bowls, drinking glasses for wine, and animal bones found at the site, according to archaeologist Piotr Dyczek of the University of Warsaw, will allow the researchers to recreate the warriors' last meal.
Additionally, grain mills, fishing weights, and coins from Constantine's rule in the fourth century have all been found by archaeologists.
