Archaeologists excavating the Hadrianopolis Ancient City in Karabük, Turkey, have unearthed a bronze object believed to be a drink filter dating back to the 5th century AD. The discovery, made by a team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş from Karabük University, sheds light on the daily life and hygiene practices of ancient inhabitants.
The filter, measuring 9.2 centimeters in length and featuring a carrying ring, was found among the ruins of the ancient city, which served as a settlement during the Late Chalcolithic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods. Hadrianopolis, nicknamed "Zeugma of the Black Sea" due to its extensive mosaic floors depicting various animals, has yielded numerous archaeological treasures, including two bathhouses, two churches, a defensive structure, rock tombs, a water castle, an underground rock settlement, a workshop, an arched structure, a monumental cultic niche, walls, villas, monumental buildings, and some cultic (sacred) areas.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çelikbaş explained that the bronze object was likely used to filter drinks, providing a more comfortable and hygienic way to consume beverages. He noted that the filter's conical shape and the presence of holes suggest its function. The carrying ring indicates that the filter was reusable and likely cleaned and stored after each use.
The discovery of the bronze filter is particularly significant as it provides evidence of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in ancient times. It also highlights the ingenuity of ancient people in developing practical solutions for everyday needs. The filter's use in conjunction with straws made from reeds and rushes, as described by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çelikbaş, further emphasizes the sophisticated approach to drink consumption in the 5th century AD.
The ongoing excavations at Hadrianopolis continue to reveal fascinating insights into the past, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this ancient city.