Excavation efforts at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis have uncovered a bronze artifact believed to date back to the 5th century AD. This item, identified as a beverage filter, was found in the Eskipazar district of Karabük, Turkey.
Historical Importance of Hadrianopolis
Founded during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian II, Hadrianopolis emerged as a significant hub in the Black Sea region. The city is renowned for its exquisite mosaic art, earning it the moniker “Zeugma of the Black Sea.”
Archaeologists have designated the ancient site as a protected area and are conducting excavations under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş from the Department of Archaeology at Karabük University.
Discoveries from the Excavation
The excavation team has revealed several noteworthy structures, including two baths, two churches, a defensive fortification, rock tombs, an inner castle, an underground rock settlement, a fountain, an arched structure, monumental cult niches, city walls, villas, and significant buildings.
Recently, the team found a bronze object measuring 9.2 centimeters in length, featuring a carrying ring, which likely functioned as a beverage filter in the 5th century AD.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çelikbaş explained that this bronze artifact was used as a filter in ancient times, stating, “This object enabled people to drink more comfortably by filtering their beverages.” The conical design of the object includes holes that facilitated its filtering purpose.
The presence of the carrying ring suggests that users maintained and stored the item for repeated use.
Agricultural Practices in Hadrianopolis
Dr. Çelikbaş emphasized the agricultural activities in Hadrianopolis during the 5th century AD, noting, “We know that the inhabitants cultivated fruits such as pomegranates, apples, pears, and grapes, as well as grains like barley and wheat.” Anthropological studies indicate that the community consumed these grains.
He further explained that the people produced a variety of products from their agricultural yields. “They made fruit juices and other beverages from the fruits. Filters like this one were used in conjunction with reeds and rushes to enjoy their drinks comfortably and healthily. While modern straws are made of plastic, ancient straws were crafted from plant materials and filtered bronze. This illustrates that people in that era had a more comfortable and healthier way of consuming their beverages.”
