Ancient hangover cure? This ring may have been used to avoid effects of drinking too much

Could a ring be better for a hangover than a greasy breakfast or a cup of black coffee? Researchers discovered a ring in Israel that could be over 1,000 years old and may have been used to ward off the effects of drinking wine.  

The gold ring with a semi-precious amethyst stone was discovered during an excavation in the city of Yavne by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The piece of jewelry weighs less than .2 ounces.   

Dr. Amir Golani, an expert on ancient jewelry at the Israel Antiquities Authority, explained in a statement earlier this month that “the person who owned the ring was affluent, and the wearing of the jewel indicated their status and wealth. Such rings could be worn by both men and women.” 

Golani added that “many virtues have been attached to this gem," including preventing a hangover.  

The ring, discovered at a site where a winery operated, was found less than 500 feet from the remains of a warehouse that stored amphorae, or a type of wine jar.  

"Did the person who wore the ring want to avoid intoxication due to drinking a lot of wine? We probably will never know," Dr. Elie Haddad, a director of the excavation, said in the statement.  

“It is possible that the splendid ring belonged to the owner of the magnificent warehouse, to a foreman, or simply to an unlucky visitor, who dropped and lost their precious ring, until it was finally discovered by us," Haddad added. 

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Researchers are also unsure about the exact age of the ring. The Israel Antiquities Authority shared on Facebook that the ring was found in “layers dated back to the late Byzantine – Early Islamic periods,” or approximately the 7th century.

But the post noted that the ring could be even older if it was passed down through generations, dating all the way back to the 3rd century.  

Experts believe the huge wine factory unearthed in Yavne dates back to the Byzantine period. Archaeologists have discovered wine presses, warehouses, tens of thousands of broken pieces of jugs and more at the site.