Centuries-old Bronze drink filter unearthed in Türkiye’s Hadrianopolis ancient city

Excavation work at Hadrianopolis ancient city in the Eskipazar district of Karabuk has led to the discovery of a fifth-century bronze object believed to have been used as a drink filter. The object, measuring 9.2 centimeters in length, was found at a site that was used as a settlement during the Late Chalcolithic, Roman and Early Byzantine periods.

Hadrianopolis reveals its rich heritage

The Hadrianopolis ancient city, renowned for its mosaics depicting numerous animals, is often referred to as the “Zeugma of the Black Sea.”

Excavations at the site, led by Ersin Celikbas, a faculty member at the Department of Archaeology at Karabuk University, have uncovered several structures, including two baths, two churches, a defensive structure, rock tombs, an inner castle, underground rock settlements, fountains, arched buildings, monumental cultic niches, and sacred areas.

Bronze object offers insight into ancient comfort and health

The bronze object discovered at the site is a conical-shaped item with a carrying ring, believed to have been used as a filter for beverages.

Celikbas explained, “The object was used to filter drinks, allowing people in antiquity to consume their beverages more comfortably and healthily.” The object features holes that served as a filtration system, providing both functionality and ease for its users.

Multiple uses indicated by design of object

The presence of the carrying ring indicates that the object was not used only once; it was cleaned and stored for repeated use.

Celikbas further noted that the discovery suggests a sustainable practice of reusing the bronze filter, pointing to the advanced approach of the ancient people in maintaining their tools.

Agricultural activity flourished in Hadrianopolis

Hadrianopolis was known for its intense agricultural activities during the fifth century A.D. Celikbas pointed out that fruits like pomegranates, apples, pears, and grapes, along with cereals like barley and wheat, were grown in the area.

“The agricultural products of Hadrianopolis were also used to make various drinks. We know that people in the region enjoyed fruit juices and other beverages, and they likely used plant-based straws with bronze filters for a more refined drinking experience.”

Comparison with modern-day drinking habits

Celikbas made an interesting comparison between ancient and modern-day drinking tools. “Today, straws are made from plastic, but in the past, straws were made from plant materials, and with the addition of filtered bronze, people in antiquity enjoyed their drinks both more comfortably and more healthily,” he said.