Archaeologists Open Qin-Era Tomb and Find a Sealed 2,300-Year-Old Bottle of Beer

Archaeologists excavating Tomb M39 at the Shanjiabo cemetery—about a mile from the Qin Great Wall—uncovered a sealed bronze bottle that still held roughly 15 cups of a pale, blue-green liquid. Laboratory tests published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports indicate the substance is a deliberately brewed, cereal-based alcoholic beverage dating to the Qin period (c. 547–221 B.C.E.).

What the Team Found

The bronze vessel, notable for its garlic-head–shaped mouth (a form commonly associated with alcohol containers in Qin culture), was tightly sealed and preserved. Chemical and microbiological analyses identified more than 2,400 distinct organic compounds and 8,571 yeast cells, strongly supporting the conclusion that the liquid was an intentionally brewed beverage rather than groundwater or simple contamination.

Detailed Analysis

Tests showed the beverage was cereal-based and contained residues of broomcorn (proso) millet, wheat and barley. The liquid had high concentrations of lactic and oxalic acids and relatively low tartaric acid. Researchers also detected 23 classes of organic compounds—including amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates—indicating a complex fermentation process and deliberate flavoring.

"This study provides archaeological evidence of the Qin people’s beer-making practices," the authors write, noting authentic brewing methods, diverse cereal use and an effective sealing technique.

Brewing Technique and Preservation

Microbial evidence (thousands of yeast cells) suggests the Qin brewers used a robust fermentation starter. The combination of broomcorn millet with wheat or barley plus a starter appears to reflect a distinct Qin brewing tradition not previously documented in historical texts.

To preserve the beverage, the bottle was sealed using a double-layer method: a fabric lining placed inside the open neck and then a cover made of mud mixed with organic material on top. Similar sealing practices are recorded in other Qin-era burial contexts.

Context and Significance

Shanjiabo cemetery contains 183 tombs and likely served soldiers and civilians alike. Finding a substantial, well-sealed supply of beer in an otherwise ordinary tomb suggests that advanced fermentation-starter techniques and carefully flavored beer were available beyond elite circles in Qin society. For archaeologists and brewers today, the vessel offers a rare, well-preserved recipe and insight into early Chinese fermentation technology.