Chapter 03 of 5
The Roman Machine
How the Roman Empire industrialized viticulture and revolutionized wine storage for the world.
- The Imperial Shift
A Thirsty Empire
While the Greeks glorified wine for philosophy, the Romans scaled it for the masses. It transformed from a ritual drink into a daily caloric staple for every citizen.
- Social Class
The Wine Spectrum
Quality followed the social ladder, from the elite 'Falernian' vintage to 'lora,' a bitter drink made from skins and stalks given to slaves.
- Standardization
The First Sommelier-Scientists
Roman writers like Pliny the Elder and Columella documented over 90 grape varieties. They were the first to treat viticulture as a rigorous agricultural science.
17 more cards in this chapter
Could you answer this?
Which technology did the Romans adopt from the Gauls that eventually replaced the clay amphora?
🍷 The History of Wine
- 01The Neolithic CradleUnearth the 8,000-year-old secret of the first fermented drop.
- 02Amphorae and the MediterraneanSail across the wine-dark sea with the masters of trade.
- 03The Roman MachineHow the Roman Empire industrialized viticulture and revolutionized wine storage for the world.
- 04The Monastic KeepersHoly orders and the mapping of the world's finest soils.
- 05The Phylloxera CatastropheA microscopic predator and the battle for the vine's survival.