Romans in Ancient Olbia Watered Their Dead With Wine and Beer

Archaeologists in France have uncovered a 1,700-year-old ancient Roman funerary area, including burials with libation conduits hilariously akin to today’s watering spikes.

The excavation revealed at least 160 structures associated with cremation on France’s iconic Côte d’Azur, just west of the ancient port town of Olbia in modern-day Hyères. The findings highlight ancient Rome’s diverse funerary traditions and its people’s serious commitment to their dead.

1,700-year-old burials

Olbia was a Greek colony founded by Massaliotes—citizens of Marseille, also a Greek colony—in 325 BCE . The burial ground dates back to between the first and third centuries CE, at which point Olbia was part of the Roman colony of Arles.

The area hosted a funerary practice we often see in historical or fantas