Oil and Wine Presses in Israel from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Periods

Abstract

This volume presents the reader with a selection of installations for the production of wine and oil from Israel of the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Many such installations have been found in Israel from earlier periods also but the peak in their development, in the number of installations found, in the technology used and in their variety is towards the end of the Byzantine period. Several factors combined to create this situation. This comprehensive study investigates their archaeological remains. The installations presented in this volume reveal the remarkable variety of techniques and devices found in one small section of the complicated mosaic of local technical cultures that were spread throughout the Mediterranean basin, each developing separately but influenced by and influencing the others. Even techniques such as the use of the screw developed in different ways in different regions. The extent and borders of these technical cultures are in many cases closely related to those of political entities changing in extent and character together with these. Thus the study of these ancient crafts not only reveals important aspects of ancient technology, economics and day to day life but mapping the variegated regional technical cultures contributes a new and independent delineation of ancient human geography.

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