Shedding Light on an Ancient Winepress

“In the center of the treading floor is a depression, intended for a screw press. This device would allow applying further pressure to the grape remains from the compartments and thus produce vinegar and low-quality wine, mentioned in rabbinic sources as ‘paupers’ wine.”

The owner of the winepress was probably Christian, as attested by a ceramic lantern found nearby, which was decorated with five crosses. The lantern has the shape of a miniature church building; an oval opening on one side served to insert an oil lamp. The other sides of the lantern were decorated in geometric patterns, creating a design of palm branches. The crosses adorned the walls of the lantern, so when the lantern was lit, crosses were projected on the walls and the ceiling.

Sa’ar Ganor, the Ashkelon district archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority pointed out that “the winepress at Hamei Yoav, as well as three similar winepresses unearthed nearby, are located along the ancient road that led from Beth Guvrin to ancient Ashkelon and its port, thus facilitating the transportation of wine to Ashkelon, and its exportation from the port of Ashkelon to Europe and North Africa.”