The Archaeology of Wine Production in Roman and Pre-Roman Italy

Abstract

The world of vinicultural archaeology has expanded exponentially over the past two decades, adding novel discoveries, methodologies, theories, and new archaeological evidence. Despite this, focused regional or site-specific approaches and syntheses dominate scholarship. This article provides an alternate, macroperspective via a comprehensive update and overview of the archaeological evidence for the entire Italian peninsula. When considered as a whole, the sheer quantity of evidence is simply a starting point for future research directions. New data from pre-Roman Italy might suggest localized indigenous winemaking experimentation, contrasting with traditionally dominant east-west colonial diffusionist models. Detailed cataloguing and interpretation of Roman wineries demonstrate that two dominant press types were present simultaneously. Along with these syntheses, previously unpublished evidence is analyzed for the first time, including conspicuous, lavish, and theatrical wine production at the Villa dei Quintili just outside Rome. 1 introduction "There are two liquids that are especially agreeable to the human body, wine inside and oil outside" (Plin., HN 14.29.150). Wine permeated and enveloped Roman culture. It was both a daily drink and reserved for special occasions, played a key role in trade and the economy, and was found in medicinal, religious, domestic, and commercial contexts. Since antiquity, Roman winemaking and viticulture have been interpreted through historical sources, which tend to be scattered, incomplete, and biased, and, to an extent, comparative ethnography. 2 Indeed, preindustrial equipment and practice often retain ancient characteristics of the same region and thus provide a valuable proxy

The spectacle of production: a Roman imperial winery at the Villa of the Quintilii, Rome

“…The complex possesses features typical of a Roman winery (Figures 2 & 3): a grape treading area; two presses; a vat for the collection and settling of grape must; and a system of channels connecting these features to a cella vinaria (wine cellar) with dolia defossa (sunken storage jars; for terminology, see Dodd 2022). Although these features are typical of Roman wineries in several Mediterranean regions, however, their decoration and arrangement are almost unparalleled for a production context in the Roman, and perhaps entire ancient, world.…”

“…The western press is of a type that forms part of a distinct mechanical system common across Roman Italy from the second century BC to the fourth and fifth centuries AD (Dodd 2022: 461–68). These presses used one of two lever-and-screw mechanisms, though some may have also utilised winches (Brun 2004: 43; Van Limbergen 2019: 112; Dodd 2022: 465–67).…”

“…The western press is of a type that forms part of a distinct mechanical system common across Roman Italy from the second century BC to the fourth and fifth centuries AD (Dodd 2022: 461–68). These presses used one of two lever-and-screw mechanisms, though some may have also utilised winches (Brun 2004: 43; Van Limbergen 2019: 112; Dodd 2022: 465–67). At the Villa of the Quintilii, with no evidence of counterweights or anchoring systems preserved, nor the usual stone pier base with mortises ( lapis pedicinus / forum ) to hold wooden uprights, it is impossible to specify the exact mechanism used.…”

“…It is also attested in art (e.g. vintage scenes on sarcophagi; Dodd 2022: 455–56), and, occasionally, archaeologically in the form of highly elaborate facilities at opulent villas. Wealthy Romans cultivated a luxurious notion of rusticity, romanticising the role of the rural worker and celebrating the landowner as commander of nature.…”

Dawne i Współczesne Metody Stabilizacji Wina

“…Ogromny postęp na przestrzeni tych lat znacznie poszerzył i dopracował dotychczasowe interpretacje, dodając nowe odkrycia, metodologie, teorie i dowody archeologiczne. Mimo to, w nauce dominują podejścia i syntezy ukierunkowane na regiony lub miejsca [31]. Uprawa winorośli oraz pierwsze metody produkcji i przechowywania wina sięgają okresu neolitu (10 000-4 000 p.n.e.).…”