Ruins of Ancient Winery and Roman Bathhouse Unearthed in Jerusalem

Archaeologists excavating the site of the Schneller Orphanage, which operated in Jerusalem from 1860 until the Second World War, were surprised to find the remains of a winery and Roman bathhouse from about 1,600 years ago. Evidence suggests that the site was probably part of a manor house that produced wine and also a camp for members of the Tenth Roman Legion.

Arutz Sheva reports that the winery had a white mosaic floor and a pit at the center in which a press screw was anchored to extract the maximum amount of must from the grapes. Eight cells were found installed around the pressing surface and archaeologists believe that they were used to store the grapes before they were pressed, or to blend different flavors of wine after the process.

Alex Wiegmann, excavation director, at the winepress uncovered in the Schneller Compound, Jerusalem. (Israeli Antiquities Authority)