Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Phoenician wine press at Tell el-Burak, a site in southern Lebanon inhabited from the late eighth to the middle of the fourth century BCE. This discovery provides valuable insights into ancient construction methods and the significance of winemaking in Phoenician society.
The wine press, situated on a hillside, comprises a rectangular treading basin and a semi-circular vat. Notably, the structure is coated with a durable plaster made from lime and crushed ceramic fragments, enhancing its water resistance and mechanical strength. This technique, which predates Roman advancements, underscores the Phoenicians' innovative approach to building materials.
Archaeometric analyses of the plaster samples indicate that the Phoenicians produced lime-based plaster by calcining local limestone. The addition of crushed ceramic fragments, known as grog, improved the plaster's durability and water resistance. This practice reflects a local and innovative tradition of plaster production in southern Phoenicia, contributing to the broader understanding of Phoenician technology in the Iron Age Mediterranean.
The discovery of the wine press at Tell el-Burak offers new data on the use of wine presses in Southern Phoenicia and the composition and technology of Iron Age lime-plaster production. These findings contribute to the wider discussion of Phoenician technology in the broader Iron Age Mediterranean.