Archaeologists have discovered a large wine estate from Roman times near Rome. The grape-growing complex was found southeast of the Italian capital and dates back to the third century AD.
The winery is part of the 24 hectare estate of the Villa of the Quintilii. Bathhouses, a theater and a racetrack have already been found in this impressive mini-city. It has therefore become a major tourist attraction.
According to the researchers, the winery was mainly used by rich and powerful Romans who were looking for entertainment. It is possible that the emperor himself also visited regularly.
Luxury and entertainment
The winery included luxurious dining rooms with a view of the enslaved workers who made the wine. According to the researchers, entertaining the elite was more important than producing the wine itself.
For example, the wine flowed through expensive white marble canals and there were fountains through which wine flowed. There was also a lot of music and celebrations while the slaves mashed the freshly harvested grapes.
According to the archaeologists, the winery has the familiar features of Roman times, but the decoration and architecture are unique. The researchers say this level of luxury was rarely seen in ancient times.
Discovered by chance
The winery was discovered by accident. Archaeologists searched for a racecourse entrance that would have been built around 177 AD. It later turned out that the winery was built on one of these posts.
Archaeologists have not yet uncovered everything. They hope for additional funding to continue the excavations.
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