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Spanish archaeologists from the Jaume I University of Castelló have discovered a Roman villa in the east of the country whose purpose was viticulture. The researchers found structures for wine production (cella vinaria) and agricultural plots for viticulture (fundus) at the Sant Gregori archaeological site in Burriana.
Although the archaeologists have not yet been able to identify any wine press rooms (torculares), the site does contain storage areas and adjoining rooms that may have served as working and living areas. The buildings are insulated and orientated east-west to protect them from northern humidity and southern heat.
Surprising for the archaeologists were the vine planting trenches found, which the Romans called "sulcus". This is a technique that was also described by ancient authors such as Columella and Pliny. The archaeologists documented ten parallel trenches in excellent condition, aligned from north-east to south-west. These ditches, between 1.1 and 1.3 metres wide and 2.5 to 3 metres apart, provided space for several vines. Similar finds are rare in Spain and have only been documented in places such as the Galician coast, Badajoz and Cádiz.
It is noteworthy that the vineyards are located in an open, sunny and marshy area. However, ancient texts prove that the Romans were able to utilise wet areas for viticulture by means of sophisticated drainage systems. They also did this in the Pontine Marshes south-east of Rome.
The excavations are being coordinated by the Mediterranean Archaeology Partnership Programme in collaboration with the Archaeological Museum of Burriana. Due to the importance of the finds, the municipality of Burriana and the museum are currently working on making the site accessible to visitors.
(ru / Eurekalert)