Ancient wine press uncovers bygone export market
February 16, 2010
 By James Lawrence
Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Byzantine-era wine press in Israel.
Israeli archaeologists said yesterday that they had found an unusually shaped 1,400-year-old wine press that was exceptionally large and advanced for its time.
According to the authorities, the press measures 21ft by 54ft and was uncovered in southern Israel, about 25 miles south of Jerusalem.
'The size of the wine press attests to the fact that the quantity of wine that was produced in it was exceptionally large and was not meant for local consumption,' said excavation director Uzi Ad.
'The wine was probably intended for export to Egypt, then a major export market or to Europe,' he added.
The structure originally included a central treading floor with a mosaic pavement.
Israeli authorities have said that the site will be protected and opened to the public.
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