The Imagery of the Wine Bowl: Wine in Assyria in the Early First Millennium B.C

In an inscription which celebrates the inauguration of his new capital at Nimrud—ancient Kalhu—Assurnasirpal II (883–859 B.C.) provides a detailed account of the food and drink that was prepared for the almost 70,000 persons that were present on that occasion. In terms of liquid refreshment alone, we read of 10,000 skins of wine, 10,000 (measures of) beer, and 100 (measures of) fine mixed beer. Grapes also figured among the many fruits that were supplied (Wiseman 1952:32).