Journal of Mosaic Research (Nov 2013)
A Wine Press with Mosaic Pavement from Belentepe
Abstract
Remains of a structure paved with mosaics were discovered on the floor of one of the rooms during the excavations held in Belentepe settlement in the hinterland of the ancient city of Keramos. When the remains were analysed and compared with other examples, this structure was determined to have been a wine-pressing complex. The complex consists of the production area, the basin, and the pithoi to collect the grape juice, and storage for fermentation. The mechanical press system, large treading floors, storage areas for different processes, large storage basin and the connecting channel to this basin show that this is a full-capacity complex constructed to produce multiple types of wine. The mosaic pavement on the floor of Room A was made of local limestone tesserae. These tesserae are not regular but cut in rectangular, square or trapezoid forms. Sizes vary between 1,5 x 2 cm and 3 x 4 cm. Destroyed part in the middle of the complex made it possible for us to understand how the floor was constructed. Five different layers were found in this section. Other examples similar to the mechanical equipment and the mosaic pavement were discovered in various ancient cities in Levant region dated to the 5th-7th centuries A.D. Coins found in Belentepe wine press indicate that the structure was used in the second half of the 6th century A.D. Fragments of pithoi and amphora also confirm this date.
