Search Here

A combination of ash, vinegar and water could have been the sports drink of ancient gladiators, new research claims.

According to findings of a study published in PLOS One, gladiators consumed a post-battle drink that could have tasted like refreshing lemonade. The conclusions were made after analysis of bones of 68 ancient fighters unearthed near Ephesus Turkey.

"They didn't have coffee; they didn't have tea. But they had wine, and then they drank a mixture of vinegar and water. It's not as horrible as it sounds," said the study's co-author Fabian Kanz, according to Fox News.

To arrive at these conclusions relative concentrations of isotopes of nitrogen, sulphur and carbon in the bones was done. Researchers found low concentrations of nitrogen-15, which indicated the presence of high nitrogen fixing plans like beans and lentils. On the basis of this particular finding, a 'gladiator special diet' as mentioned in historical texts, was ruled out. Instead, it was concluded that gladiators probably ate what the general population ate.

Indications that the gladiators took a special drink however, came from analysis of strontium to calcium ratio in the bones. Researchers found twice higher than normal amounts of strontium. They then concluded that this strontium should have come from something else, like ash. The combination of vinegar, water and ash is mentioned in ancient text, which led researchers to their conclusions.

Researchers however admitted that the existence of a special diet cannot be ruled out as it is possible that the chemical markings of certain foods taken many years to show in the bones. As most of the skeletons found in the mass grave belonged to individuals aged between 20 and 30, it is possible that they were eating something special but did not live long enough for the diet to leave traces in the bones.