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Researchers from the French Institute for Preventive Archaeology (INRAP) have found evidence during a large-scale excavation in northern Marseille that wine first arrived in Gaul through Greek settlers. During the investigations in spring, they discovered evidence of the oldest known vineyard area in France. It was established in the 5th century BC by colonists from the Ionian region. These settlers came from Phokaia, an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey.
INRAP archaeologist Axel Cauvin reports a surprisingly dense and traceable use of the vineyards over four centuries, which existed between the 5th and 2nd centuries BC. The findings support the assumption that the Greeks introduced viticulture in the region of present-day France. The planting is believed to have occurred around the time of the founding of Massalia (Marseille) around 600 BC and shows typical parallel rows spaced about 1.2 meters apart.
The wine produced in Massalia spread across large parts of ancient Gaul. While the Gallic communities did not adopt all Greek lifestyles, they drank wine and traded it. By the 2nd century BC, Massalia, according to Cauvin, held a nearly monopolistic position in the Gallic wine trade. Characteristic, partly stamped amphorae from Marseille have been found in regions such as Burgundy and even in Heuneburg in present-day Baden-Württemberg.
Over time, the situation changed: Italian wines, especially from Campania, gained importance north of the Alps, and with the advance of the Romans, viticulture spread throughout ancient France.
Local winemaker and viticulture expert Guillaume Jesberger plans to cultivate ancient Greek grape varieties and test historical methods. He is considering establishing a museum that makes the development of viticulture in Provence since antiquity tangible.
The recent excavations and other aspects of Phocaean influences on viticulture in southern France will soon be the focus of a major INRAP expert roundtable at the University of Montpellier.
(ru – Image: Souen Fontaine, Inrap)
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