Archaeologists uncover Roman villa, reveal wine production secrets

15,000-square-meter site offers insights into Roman agricultural techniques and rural economy

2025-01-03

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Archaeologists in Spain have uncovered a Roman villa in the coastal town of Burriana, in Castellón, providing new evidence of wine production in Roman Hispania. The site, known as Villa Sant Gregori, dates from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD and sheds light on how the Romans adapted coastal lands to grow vines and produce wine. Covering an area of approximately 15,000 square meters, the discovery offers valuable insights into Roman agricultural techniques, rural architecture, and the wine economy in the ancient province of Tarraconensis.

The archaeological complex is located on Spain's Mediterranean coast in an area that, during the Roman period, fell under the administrative jurisdiction of Saguntum, modern-day Sagunto, one of the most significant cities in Roman Hispania. Excavations have revealed both residential and agricultural areas, along with storage facilities. Although no grape-pressing vats have been found, archaeologists have identified ten parallel trenches believed to have been used for planting vines. These trenches, referred to as sulcus in Roman agronomic texts, measure between 1.1 and 1.3 meters wide, with three-meter-wide gaps to ensure proper ventilation and sunlight exposure for the vines.

The discovery of these trenches near a marshy area has drawn significant attention from researchers, as it highlights an advanced agricultural solution employed by the Romans through drainage systems. Ancient texts by writers such as Columella and Pliny the Elder contain recommendations on adapting wet soils for viticulture. The drainage systems found in Burriana may be comparable to those used in Italy's Pontine Marshes, suggesting that the Romans possessed extensive knowledge of soil management to optimize their agricultural yields.

Villa Sant Gregori contained various structures for agricultural production and domestic life. Excavators have found storage spaces, work areas, and even thermal baths with a hypocaust heating system, demonstrating the sophistication of Roman villas. The buildings, oriented from east to west, were strategically positioned to protect residents from northern humidity and southern heat, creating an ideal environment for both living and farming activities.

The excavation project is led by the Mediterranean Archaeology Partnership Program at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón, in collaboration with the Burriana Archaeological Museum. Project leaders have emphasized the significance of the site not only for its size but also for the clues it provides about the rural economy of Roman Hispania. Wine production was one of the most important economic activities of the Roman Empire, and Spanish wines were praised by writers such as Fronto and Juvenal for their quality. While Saguntum was known for its wine trade, this is the first clear evidence of viticulture in this coastal region.

Local authorities and museum officials in Burriana have expressed plans to turn the site into a museum, making it accessible to the public. This project would allow visitors to learn about the villa's history and the winemaking methods used by the Romans. The site's development into a cultural attraction is expected to boost tourism in the area and highlight the lasting influence of Roman heritage along Spain's Mediterranean coast.

The discovery of Villa Sant Gregori adds to a growing list of archaeological finds that underline the importance of viticulture in the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman period. Similar vineyard trenches have been found in regions such as Galicia, Badajoz, Cádiz Bay, and Huelva. However, identifying these structures in a coastal environment like Burriana is rare and raises new questions about the Romans' land adaptation techniques.

Archaeologists continue to explore the villa to gather more details about how its various structures were used and how the settlement evolved over time. Villa Sant Gregori likely played a key role in wine production, particularly during the reign of Emperor Augustus, when viticulture in Hispania flourished. Historical texts suggest that wines from Saguntum were exported to Rome, where they were highly valued by discerning consumers.

Researchers hope to uncover more evidence of Roman winemaking methods and the social organization of those who lived at the villa. The discovery reinforces the view that wine production was a cornerstone of the Roman economy in Hispania, demonstrating how the Romans successfully transformed challenging landscapes into productive agricultural land.

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