Archaeologists working at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Eskipazar, Turkey, have uncovered a bronze drink filter dating back to the 5th century AD. The filter, which is 9.2 centimeters long and has a carrying ring, was found during ongoing excavations at the site.
Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş, head of the excavation team from Karabük University's Faculty of Literature, Archaeology Department, said the filter was likely used by the ancient inhabitants to purify their drinks. He explained that the filter's conical shape and holes allowed for filtration, while the carrying ring suggests it was reused multiple times after being cleaned.
Hadrianopolis, a settlement dating back to the Late Chalcolithic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods, has been declared a historical site. The ongoing excavations have revealed a variety of structures, including two bathhouses, two churches, a defense structure, rock tombs, an inner castle, an underground rock settlement, a meeting place, an arched structure, a monumental cultic niche, walls, a villa, monumental buildings, and sacred areas. The site is known as "Zeugma of the Black Sea" due to the presence of mosaics depicting various animals found at the base of all the structures.
The discovery of the bronze filter provides valuable insights into the daily lives of the people who lived in Hadrianopolis. It highlights their ingenuity and concern for hygiene, even in ancient times. The filter's design and functionality demonstrate their ability to create practical tools for improving their quality of life.