Archaeologists in Orvieto, Italy, have uncovered a series of subterranean ritual chambers where the air still carries traces of coriander-infused resins. These chambers, dated to the 6th century BC, were used for the secret stages of the Festival of the New Vine, a pre-Roman celebration focused on the pruning and blessing of local vineyards.
Large storage jars found within the chambers contained charred coriander seeds and grape skins, indicating that participants shared a highly aromatic, spiced wine as part of their ritual devotion. The find sheds new light on the botanical complexity of ancient Etruscan religious banquets and the specific herbs used to sanctify agricultural milestones.