Ancient Wine Press Discovered in Israel, Pre-Dating Pyramids
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Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Israel, unveiling a 5,000-year-old wine press that predates the Pyramids of Giza. This remarkable find, located east of the ancient city of Megiddo, is rooted in the Early Bronze IB period, dating back to 3300 to 3100 BCE.
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, this wine press is the earliest direct evidence of wine production in the region and sheds light on the cultural practices of the Canaanites, who inhabited the Levant around 3,000 BCE.
Excavation directors Amir Golani and Barak Tzin noted that the presence of this wine press, carved directly into the rock, signifies its importance to the ancient community, with nearby residential buildings indicating a broader settlement beyond the established limits of Megiddo's tell.
The researchers also unearthed artifacts from the Late Bronze Age II, which included ritual offerings buried alongside the wine press. These offerings comprised a miniature ceramic model of a temple, storage jars, jugs, and a unique animal-shaped vessel.
This vessel, shaped like a ram, is particularly noteworthy as it was found intact and suggests its use in ancient rituals. The report states that the vessel was designed for ceremonial pouring, potentially for valuable liquids such as wine or oil, reflecting the sophisticated ritual practices of the Canaanites.
The burial of these artifacts near a large rock outcrop indicates a possible site for folk cult activities, suggesting that local farmers might have engaged in religious practices outside the city limits.
This discovery not only enhances our understanding of wine production but also provides insight into the ritual significance of wine in ancient Canaanite society. The findings from this excavation contribute valuable context to the history of the Levant, a region whose ancient past is now being further illuminated by modern archaeological efforts.
The team emphasizes that the information gathered from this site may redefine our understanding of urbanism and religious practices in early Canaanite civilization.