When Did Ancient Romans Actually Start Drinking Alcohol?

Wine was everywhere in ancient Rome — but the rules around who could drink it, how strong it was, and how it was served reveal a surprisingly strict code at the heart of Roman identity. In this video, we trace Roman wine culture from its Greek origins in southern Italy, through the strict tradition of diluting wine with water, the restrictions placed on women drinking, how children were introduced to watered wine early, the stark gap between elite vintages and posca (the cheap wine-vinegar ration given to soldiers), the elaborate rituals of Roman banquets, and wine's deep religious role in Roman daily life. It wasn't just a drink — it was a marker of class, gender, and what it meant to be truly Roman. If you found this breakdown of Roman drinking culture fascinating, let me know in the comments what surprised you most, and subscribe for more deep dives into how people lived in the ancient world.