The Wines of the Ancient Orient. 



19 



of the Hebrews the Egyptians had no religious scruples in 

 presenting as offerings adulterated or even artificial wines. 

 Wine-offerings were made at the common offerings and the 

 offerings of the dead. Wine always heads the list of liquid 

 offerings. In Heliopolis, however, wine did not belong to the 

 offerings, according to Plutarch 1. He states that the priests 

 brought no wine into the temple and that they considered 

 drinking during day-time as unseemly too Kopioo kcu ^adiAfcco^ 

 (scil. 'Haiou) ecpopcov'To:. The same writer also states that the 

 priests abstain from the use of wine only on days of fasting. 



No. I. An Egyptian Siphon (after Wilkinson, The Ancient Egyptians). 



For the mixing of wine the Egyptians used the siphon. The 

 process is illustrated on a tomb-painting in Thebes (see Illu- 

 stration No. 1). A servant is seen directing the wine of three 

 raised wine jars by means of three long siphons into a two- 

 handled wine-cup. Two siphons are represented as being 

 already in action. To exhaust the air the servant has put the 

 end of the third siphon into his mouth. He sucks it, and thus 

 causes the contents of the third jar to flow. Another ser- 

 vant is seen holding two small siphons in his left hand. He 

 stands behind the frame-work and re-fills the slowly emptj-ing 

 jars with a cup. 



Plut., Is. Chapt. VI. 



