**Unearthing the Secrets of Queen Meret-Neith’s Tomb: A Wine Lover’s Paradise**

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Over a century ago, archaeologists stumbled upon the tomb of Queen Meret-Neith, a powerful Egyptian royal who may have been the first female pharaoh. However, even after all these years, mysteries still surround the queen and her burial site. Thanks to a team of German and Austrian archaeologists from the University of Vienna, we are now closer to unraveling some of these mysteries as they continue to excavate her extensive and intricate tomb. And what they have discovered so far has been truly surprising – an abundance of wine.

Just recently, the team unearthed a vast collection of grave goods that were buried with Queen Meret-Neith. Among these treasures were hundreds of well-preserved wine jars. What is even more remarkable is that many of these jars were still sealed, and some even contained remnants of the 5,000-year-old wine. It is simply astonishing to think that we are able to catch a glimpse into the lives and actions of people from five millennia ago by examining these meticulously preserved artifacts.

Christiana Köhler, the lead archaeologist from the University of Vienna, expressed her astonishment at the detail they have encountered during their investigations. The perfectly preserved grape seeds, crafts, and footprints in the mud have all contributed to painting a vivid picture of what life was like in ancient times. It is an opportunity for us to connect with the past and appreciate the rich history that lies within these intriguing finds.

Not only is this discovery significant in shedding light on the ancient Mediterranean and North African wine production, use, and trade, but it also has the potential to enhance our understanding of the flavors and ingredients of the wine from that era. Emlyn Dodd, a researcher from the Institute of Classical Studies, emphasizes the impact that analyzing the residues left inside the jars could have on revealing the chemical composition and flavor profile of the wine.

While the inscriptions found in Queen Meret-Neith’s tomb suggest her involvement in leading the treasury and other central government offices, her true identity still remains unconfirmed. Nonetheless, we can only imagine that she possessed a great appreciation for wine, considering the abundant evidence of wine in her burial site.

As the archaeological team continues to explore and excavate the vast expanse of Queen Meret-Neith’s tomb, we eagerly await further revelations and discoveries. Each artifact brings us closer to unraveling the enigma of this ancient queen and her significance in history.

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Original article by Food & Wine.