Archaeologists made an unexpected discovery when they unearthed a jar of wine - which was filled with the drink and tightly sealed - in an ancient tomb&nbsp;nearly 2,000 years after it was buried.

The wine was recovered among the grave goods which were accompanying a Roman man in his burial. The Romans had filled his cremated remains in a glass container before sealing it.

The wine, which was once sweet, has now a reddish colour and is filled with human dust.

With the reddish stain and human dust, this wine is now the oldest known vintage of the world, going beyond the 4th century CE&nbsp;Speyer wine bottle&nbsp;by hundreds of years.

Archaeologist Juan Manuel Román of Carmona's Museum of the City said, "We were very surprised that liquid was preserved in one of the funerary urns."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-herculaneum-beach-buried-by-mount-vesuvius-2000-years-ago-reopened-after-extensive-restoration-733407">&nbsp;Ancient Herculaneum beach buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago reopened after extensive restoration</a>

The mausoleum appears to be a collective tomb which belonged to a specific family and appears as a rarity.&nbsp;

Archaeologists in 2019 stumbled upon the chamber in southern Spain which was till then sealed and its contents were preserved for thousands of years.

The archaeologists found various luxurious grave goods – patchouli perfume, jewels and jewellery, fabrics, glass objects, and a large lead container.&nbsp;

However, after opening the container, the researchers were left shocked when they discovered a sealed glass urn which was half-filled with some sort of liquid.

In ancient Roman times, it was a known funerary practice to pour wine on the cremated remains. However, there is also little chance that the liquid entered into the urn by mistake.

<h2>How do scientists analyse the wine?</h2>

Headed by the University of Cordoba's chemist Daniel Cosano in Spain, the researchers held a comprehensive series of chemical analyses to determine what the liquid actually was.

Watch:&nbsp;Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-athens-acropolis-closes-due-to-heatwave-731204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pH of the liquid and organic matter within was measured. They used inductively&nbsp;coupled plasma mass spectrometry and identified the chemical elements present in the mineral salts in the liquid.&nbsp;

The high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for identifying&nbsp;polyphenols, chemical compounds which can be found in food and drinks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists made an unexpected discovery when they unearthed a jar of wine - which was filled with the drink and tightly sealed - in an ancient tomb nearly 2,000 years after it was buried.

Archaeologists made an unexpected discovery when they unearthed a jar of wine - which was filled with the drink and tightly sealed - in an ancient tomb nearly 2,000 years after it was buried. The wine was recovered among the grave goods which were accompanying a Roman man in his burial. The Romans had filled his cremated remains in a glass container before sealing it. The wine, which was once sweet, has now a reddish colour and is filled with human dust. With the reddish stain and human dust, this wine is now the oldest known vintage of the world, going beyond the 4th century CE Speyer wine bottle by hundreds of years. Archaeologist Juan Manuel Román of Carmona's Museum of the City said, "We were very surprised that liquid was preserved in one of the funerary urns." Also Read: Ancient Herculaneum beach buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago reopened after extensive restoration The mausoleum appears to be a collective tomb which belonged to a specific family and appears as a rarity. Archaeologists in 2019 stumbled upon the chamber in southern Spain which was till then sealed and its contents were preserved for thousands of years. The archaeologists found various luxurious grave goods – patchouli perfume, jewels and jewellery, fabrics, glass objects, and a large lead container. However, after opening the container, the researchers were left shocked when they discovered a sealed glass urn which was half-filled with some sort of liquid. In ancient Roman times, it was a known funerary practice to pour wine on the cremated remains. However, there is also little chance that the liquid entered into the urn by mistake. How do scientists analyse the wine? Headed by the University of Cordoba's chemist Daniel Cosano in Spain, the researchers held a comprehensive series of chemical analyses to determine what the liquid actually was. Watch: Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave The pH of the liquid and organic matter within was measured. They used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and identified the chemical elements present in the mineral salts in the liquid. The high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for identifying polyphenols, chemical compounds which can be found in food and drinks. (With inputs from agencies)

Sealed and filled jar of wine recovered with burials of dead Roman in tomb

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic. 
 
Since then hundreds of kilometres of upgraded or new border fences, guard posts and walls have been built by Pyongyang, as per commercial satellite imagery. 
 
These steps helped the government in tightening the flow of goods and information in the country and also ensured that foreign elements are kept out and its people remain inside, according to a report published by Reuters. 
 
"The traditional North Korea-China route is now effectively over, unless there is a major change in the situation," stated Kim, who is a South Korean pastor. Kim along with others has helped North Koreans defect.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-criticises-sinister-south-as-live-fire-exercises-with-us-start-596632">North Korea criticises ‘sinister’ South as live-fire exercises with US start</a>

Last year, only 67 defectors could reach South Korea compared to 1,047 in 2019, as per official data. There was a decline in the figure even before the pandemic because of tighter restrictions in China, the route towards which is preferred by defectors.

<h2>How border walls helped North Korea keep out coronavirus and 'alien things'?</h2>

The government of North Korea and state media have spoken little about the construction of the wall at the border. However, the country's official organisations have noted that the security was beefed up to ensure that coronavirus and other "alien things" stay out of the country. 
 
In his speech in which Kim Jong Un&nbsp;declared victory over COVID-19, he had asked officials to "ensure perfection" of an "overall multiple blockade wall in the border, frontline and coast areas and in the seas and air". 
 
The sealing of the border will have a lasting effect on the nascent mercantile class of North Korea and over towns where thriving informal trade earlier offered the opportunity to people to make their own way, stated Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, a non-resident fellow at the US-based Stimson Center who researches on the economy of North Korea. 
 
Those towns "benefited from formal and informal trade since the famine in the 1990s, but really don't have many other economic advantages," he stated. "So the crackdowns are hitting two vulnerable groups, women and the population of the geographic periphery,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'?

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<h2>Are these border walls choking people's lifelines?</h2>

Google Earth Pro satellite imagery of the northern frontier of North Korea, which was collected at various time intervals from 2019 and early 2023, was examined by Reuters and Middlebury. 
 
Middlebury research associate Dave Schmerler said that they could see new or expanded security infrastructure along at least 489 km of the border, which included the robust concrete wall, simple wire fencing, additional guard posts and double fencing. 
 
He added that apparent changes were also seen in other areas, however, limitations in the imagery stopped them from reaching conclusive determinations. 
 
Schmerler stated that many installations could be seen around populated areas that lacked natural obstacles like mountains. However, they also noticed new features in agricultural, flat areas near the country's northeastern border. 
 
"Those areas don't necessarily have larger city or village infrastructure but lack the natural boundaries that could act as a barrier from getting into or leaving the country," added Schmerler. 
 
Human rights activists and defectors in China, who are involved in smuggling people or goods across the border, stated that the new security features have been choking vulnerable people's economic lifelines, closing their paths to escape the country that has an authoritarian regime and limiting access to North Korea to the outside information. 
 
One defector stated that the officials have placed security cameras at regular intervals and have installed multiple layers of fencing, which includes electric fencing and barbed wire. 
 
In a statement sent to Reuters, China's foreign ministry stated it was not aware of the situation, but added that "China and North Korea have been maintaining communication and working together to maintain the security and stability of the border".

<h2>Did North Korea use COVID-19 as an excuse to build border fences?</h2>

The government of North Korea gave&nbsp;orders to border guards to immediately shoot anyone who is seen trying to cross, as per official notices issued by Chinese authorities in 2020, which were released to warn people about the risks involved. 
 
Human rights organisations have confirmed that the shooting orders still remain in effect. 
 
In December 2022, the US Treasury Department sanctioned North Korea's Border Guard General Bureau over human rights abuses, "including land mines and shoot-on-sight orders that have resulted in the deaths of numerous North Koreans". 
 
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch's senior Korean researcher Lina Yoon said, "The North Korean government has been using COVID-19 as an excuse to build these new fences, guard posts and other infrastructure.” 
 
Sokeel Park, who is associated with Liberty – an organisation that works with defectors, stated that as the pandemic subsides, it may become harder for the government to justify the restrictions. 
 
"It's all the more reason for the international community to step up efforts to support North Korean rights," he added.

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un had embarked on a big exercise to seal its borders with Russia and China, cutting off routes which were being used by defectors and smugglers, in 2020 when the world was battling the Covid pandemic. Since then hundreds of kilometres of upgraded or new border fences, guard posts and walls have been built by Pyongyang, as per commercial satellite imagery. These steps helped the government in tightening the flow of goods and information in the country and also ensured that foreign elements are kept out and its people remain inside, according to a report published by Reuters. "The traditional North Korea-China route is now effectively over, unless there is a major change in the situation," stated Kim, who is a South Korean pastor. Kim along with others has helped North Koreans defect. ALSO READ | North Korea criticises ‘sinister’ South as live-fire exercises with US start Last year, only 67 defectors could reach South Korea compared to 1,047 in 2019, as per official data. There was a decline in the figure even before the pandemic because of tighter restrictions in China, the route towards which is preferred by defectors. How border walls helped North Korea keep out coronavirus and 'alien things'? The government of North Korea and state media have spoken little about the construction of the wall at the border. However, the country's official organisations have noted that the security was beefed up to ensure that coronavirus and other "alien things" stay out of the country. In his speech in which Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19, he had asked officials to "ensure perfection" of an "overall multiple blockade wall in the border, frontline and coast areas and in the seas and air". The sealing of the border will have a lasting effect on the nascent mercantile class of North Korea and over towns where thriving informal trade earlier offered the opportunity to people to make their own way, stated Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, a non-resident fellow at the US-based Stimson Center who researches on the economy of North Korea. Those towns "benefited from formal and informal trade since the famine in the 1990s, but really don't have many other economic advantages," he stated. "So the crackdowns are hitting two vulnerable groups, women and the population of the geographic periphery,” he added. WATCH | Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'? Are these border walls choking people's lifelines? Google Earth Pro satellite imagery of the northern frontier of North Korea, which was collected at various time intervals from 2019 and early 2023, was examined by Reuters and Middlebury. Middlebury research associate Dave Schmerler said that they could see new or expanded security infrastructure along at least 489 km of the border, which included the robust concrete wall, simple wire fencing, additional guard posts and double fencing. He added that apparent changes were also seen in other areas, however, limitations in the imagery stopped them from reaching conclusive determinations. Schmerler stated that many installations could be seen around populated areas that lacked natural obstacles like mountains. However, they also noticed new features in agricultural, flat areas near the country's northeastern border. "Those areas don't necessarily have larger city or village infrastructure but lack the natural boundaries that could act as a barrier from getting into or leaving the country," added Schmerler. Human rights activists and defectors in China, who are involved in smuggling people or goods across the border, stated that the new security features have been choking vulnerable people's economic lifelines, closing their paths to escape the country that has an authoritarian regime and limiting access to North Korea to the outside information. One defector stated that the officials have placed security cameras at regular intervals and have installed multiple layers of fencing, which includes electric fencing and barbed wire. In a statement sent to Reuters, China's foreign ministry stated it was not aware of the situation, but added that "China and North Korea have been maintaining communication and working together to maintain the security and stability of the border". Did North Korea use COVID-19 as an excuse to build border fences? The government of North Korea gave orders to border guards to immediately shoot anyone who is seen trying to cross, as per official notices issued by Chinese authorities in 2020, which were released to warn people about the risks involved. Human rights organisations have confirmed that the shooting orders still remain in effect. In December 2022, the US Treasury Department sanctioned North Korea's Border Guard General Bureau over human rights abuses, "including land mines and shoot-on-sight orders that have resulted in the deaths of numerous North Koreans". Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch's senior Korean researcher Lina Yoon said, "The North Korean government has been using COVID-19 as an excuse to build these new fences, guard posts and other infrastructure.” Sokeel Park, who is associated with Liberty – an organisation that works with defectors, stated that as the pandemic subsides, it may become harder for the government to justify the restrictions. "It's all the more reason for the international community to step up efforts to support North Korean rights," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia

China announced the completion of military drills around Taiwan on Monday, after carrying them out for three days, stating that the integrated military capabilities were tested by them under actual combat conditions as they practised precision strikes and “sealed off” the island that is viewed by Beijing as its own.

The drills, dubbed as "Joint Sword", were announced by Beijing on Saturday, after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen landed back in Taipei following his meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

The use of force was never renounced by China to bring Taiwan, which is democratically governed, under the control of Beijing. The claims of China have been strongly disputed by Taiwan's government and the latter also denounced the drills.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-restraint-as-china-deploys-8-warships-58-jets-around-taiwan-on-second-day-of-drills-580598">China simulates precision strikes against Taiwan on Day 2 of drills; US urges restraint</a>

The Chinese military stated that it had "successfully completed" the exercises and "comprehensively tested" the capabilities of various units amid actual combat conditions.

"The troops in the theatre are ready to fight all the time and can fight at any time, resolutely crushing any form of Taiwan independence separatism and foreign interference," said the Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army, in a statement.

Earlier on Monday, Chinese state television said that drills were staged by the aircraft, which included the nuclear-capable H-6 bombers armed with live missiles and warships, to "form a multi-directional island-encompassing blockade situation".

The Eastern Theatre Command stated that the Shandong aircraft carrier also participated in combat patrols, and the fighters were seen taking off from its deck.

Since last week, Taiwan was tracking the Shandong in the Pacific Ocean.

A map was published by Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday of the Chinese air force activities that took place in the last 24 hours which showed four carrier-based Chinese J-15 fighters were operating over the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan.

The defence ministry said that on the last day, 12 Chinese warships and 91 military jets were spotted around Taiwan, and the drills were being conducted by the Shandong carrier group in the Western Pacific.

Extending its support to China's military drills, the Kremlin on Monday stated that Beijing had a "sovereign right" to respond to what was called "provocative acts" by Moscow.

WATCH | China Military Exercises | Taiwan: 59 Chinese planes detected today

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"We have witnessed multiple acts that were provocative in their character towards the Chinese People's Republic," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "China has the sovereign right to respond to these provocative acts, including with military manoeuvres, in strict accordance with international law,” he added.

Meanwhile, the United States which has continuously appealed to China to show restraint sent the USS Milius guided-missile destroyer on Monday through South China Sea's contested part.

"This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea," said the US Navy in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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China announced the completion of military drills around Taiwan on Monday, after carrying them out for three days, stating that the integrated military capabilities were tested by them under actual combat conditions as they practised precision strikes and “sealed off” the island that is viewed by Beijing as its own.

China announced the completion of military drills around Taiwan on Monday, after carrying them out for three days, stating that the integrated military capabilities were tested by them under actual combat conditions as they practised precision strikes and “sealed off” the island that is viewed by Beijing as its own. The drills, dubbed as "Joint Sword", were announced by Beijing on Saturday, after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen landed back in Taipei following his meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. The use of force was never renounced by China to bring Taiwan, which is democratically governed, under the control of Beijing. The claims of China have been strongly disputed by Taiwan's government and the latter also denounced the drills. ALSO READ | China simulates precision strikes against Taiwan on Day 2 of drills; US urges restraint The Chinese military stated that it had "successfully completed" the exercises and "comprehensively tested" the capabilities of various units amid actual combat conditions. "The troops in the theatre are ready to fight all the time and can fight at any time, resolutely crushing any form of Taiwan independence separatism and foreign interference," said the Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army, in a statement. Earlier on Monday, Chinese state television said that drills were staged by the aircraft, which included the nuclear-capable H-6 bombers armed with live missiles and warships, to "form a multi-directional island-encompassing blockade situation". The Eastern Theatre Command stated that the Shandong aircraft carrier also participated in combat patrols, and the fighters were seen taking off from its deck. Since last week, Taiwan was tracking the Shandong in the Pacific Ocean. A map was published by Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday of the Chinese air force activities that took place in the last 24 hours which showed four carrier-based Chinese J-15 fighters were operating over the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan. The defence ministry said that on the last day, 12 Chinese warships and 91 military jets were spotted around Taiwan, and the drills were being conducted by the Shandong carrier group in the Western Pacific. Extending its support to China's military drills, the Kremlin on Monday stated that Beijing had a "sovereign right" to respond to what was called "provocative acts" by Moscow. WATCH | China Military Exercises | Taiwan: 59 Chinese planes detected today "We have witnessed multiple acts that were provocative in their character towards the Chinese People's Republic," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "China has the sovereign right to respond to these provocative acts, including with military manoeuvres, in strict accordance with international law,” he added. Meanwhile, the United States which has continuously appealed to China to show restraint sent the USS Milius guided-missile destroyer on Monday through South China Sea's contested part. "This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea," said the US Navy in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China ends military drills around Taiwan which simulated 'sealing off' the island

A State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur was found dispensing fake and torn Rs 2000 notes, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp

A complaint was filed by a person who was trying to withdraw Rs 25,000 and noticed a Rs 2000 note to be fake and about six to seven were reported torn.&nbsp

"I had to make an urgent payment but couldn't do that as the notes that were dispensed are fake and torn," Maurya said.

The police have currently sealed the ATM.&nbsp 
&nbsp

A State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur was found dispensing fake and torn Rs 2000 notes, reports said on Sunday. A complaint was filed by a person who was trying to withdraw Rs 25,000 and noticed a Rs 2000 note to be fake and about six to seven were reported torn. "I had to make an urgent payment but couldn't do that as the notes that were dispensed are fake and torn," Maurya said. The police have currently sealed the ATM.

ATM in Kanpur dispenses fake, torn notes

sealed

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