Ancient Rome and wine

Common card · No. 400209

Ancient Rome played a pivotal role in the history of wine. Influences on the viticulture of the Italian Peninsula can be traced to ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and the Etruscans. The rise of the Roman Empire saw both technological advances in and burgeoning awareness of winemaking, which spread to all parts of the empire. Rome's influence has had a profound effect on the histories of today's major winemaking regions in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. New scientific techniques are adding even more detail to knowledge of Roman wine production, including the taste and sensory profiles of ancient Roman wine. The Roman belief that wine was a daily necessity made the drink "democratic" and ubiquitous; in various qualities, it was available to slaves, peasants and aristocrats, men and women alike. To ensure the steady supply of wine to Roman soldiers and colonists, viticulture and wine production spread to every part of the empire. The economic opportunities presented by trading in...

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