Ancient Greek shrine's bronze jars held honey for rituals, study reveals

A decades-old mystery surrounding ancient bronze jars in southern Italy has finally been solved. Researchers have confirmed that the sticky residue inside the vessels is honey. The discovery sheds new light on ritual practices in an ancient Greek shrine near Paestum. The jars were unearthed in 1954 from a subterranean shrine in Paestum, originally built around the 6th century BCE. Alongside them, archaeologists found ceremonial items, including a wooden table and iron rods wrapped in wool. For years, the waxy, amber-coloured substance inside the jars puzzled experts.

Scientists from the University of Oxford recently analysed the residue using mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. Their tests revealed key markers of glucose, fructose, and royal jelly—compounds found in raw honey or honeycomb. The team also detected residual sugars and acids embedded deep within the molecular structure, confirming the substance’s identity. Honey played a vital role in ancient Greek culture, valued for its use in medicine, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. The jars likely held ritual offerings rather than household supplies. The shrine itself was later repurposed for Roman rituals, adding another layer to its historical significance.

The findings provide concrete evidence of honey’s ceremonial use in ancient Greek worship. The jars, once filled with honey, now offer a clearer picture of religious practices in Paestum over 2,500 years ago. This discovery marks the first time honey has been chemically confirmed in such a context from this period.