Discovery of a 2000-Year-Old Winery in Rome

Archaeologists at the Quintili Villa in Rome have uncovered the remnants of a 2000-year-old winery during excavation operations. According to Heritage Daily, "archaeologists discovered a complex network of rooms and channels for producing and storing wine, with the room designated for making the beverage lined with expensive red marble." The scientists also found two presses and a system resembling a fountain through which the beverage was transported to storage vessels in the cellar. Surrounding the winery, they found several decorated rooms believed to be designated for the emperor and his entourage to dine while watching the wine production process. Archaeologist Emlyn Dood notes that "the presence of nobles at the time added a romantic touch to agricultural work, especially since it was sometimes a source of their income and social status. The elite viewed the harvest as a theatrical event, prioritizing the experience for observers rather than the needs of workers." She adds, "It was a magnificent scene, with fountains of wine and water, especially the delicate white marble channels through which the beverage flowed."