Roman wine discovered on the sea bed

Four Roman trading ships with their complete cargoes have been found near the Pontine Islands off Italy’s western coast.

The wrecks were discovered by the archaeological section of the Italian culture ministry and Aurora Trust a US seabed exploration company.

At a depth of nearly 100 fathoms, the ships have lain undisturbed by modern trawlers. Nonetheless, the 18 metres long wooden structures have been completely eaten away by marine organisms leaving only the cargo intact.

It is thought that at one time they would have contained wine, olive oil, and a pungent fish paste the Romans enjoyed from Spain, North Africa and Italy. It is unlikely that the amphorae will still be sealed, and even if they were, the wine would be undrinkable by now

As the small fleet is the second to have been found in the area in recent years, the island group is believed to have been used as a staging post for trade fleets sailing to and from Roman ports.

As Italy has signed a new UNESCO agreement they are obliged to leave the wrecks as they are, although further dives are permitted for archaeological purposes.

Thanks to the Drinks Business for this.

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Alcohol linked to lower risk of arthritis

Another bit of good news for us drinkers, scientists have found that regularly drinking alcohol both reduces the chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis and eases the symptoms if you do get it. Rheumatoid arthritis it an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself and drugs are normally targeted at controlling inflammation. It is a painful progressive condition that can affect people of all ages, not just the elderly.

A team from Sheffield University, under Dr James Maxwell, a consultant rheumatologist at the Rotherham Foundation NHS Trust and Sheffield University, found that drinking on more than 1 in 3 days reduced damage, pain, inflammation, and disability.

The findings are published in the journal Rheumatology. See the Telegraph for a bit more info.

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Police officers who confiscate booze from teenagers and pour it down the drain are breaking the law!

According to the government watchdog The Environment Agency, this is a serious crime.
The action is polluting Britain's waterways because alcohol is poisonous - and offenders face a £50,000 maximum fine or 12 months in prison!
Police have tipped thousands of litres of booze, from cider to spirits, down drains to teach under-age drinkers a lesson since the Confiscation of Alcohol Act came into effect in 1997.

Embarrassed police forces say they will now dispose of the drink legally. So if you see a copper staggering around under the weight of drinks bottles, he is merely taking it back to the station for proper disposal.

Thanks to The Drinks Business for the heads up.

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