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Document Details :

Title: Nabataean Wine-Presses from Bayda, Southern Jordan
Author(s): AL-SALAMEEN, Zeyad
Journal: ARAM Periodical
Volume: 17    Date: 2005   
Pages: 115-127
DOI: 10.2143/ARAM.17.0.583324

Abstract :
This paper will deal with a number of Nabataean rock-cut winepresses from Bayda, about 5 km north of the Nabataean capital, Petra. A few of these presses have been mentioned and documented in earlier archaeological works. Our fieldwork project in Bayda lasted over the period from Oct. to Nov. 2002 and aimed mainly at examining such installations especially in terms of their spatial and geographical distribution, their forms and sizes, in order to suggest the chronological sequences of the use of these presses and to check the possibility of exportation of wine. Thirty-six presses have been recorded during the survey, distributed geographically all over the site. All are carved in the rock and no additional or stone-built rooms were added to them. Two main types of presses have been noted: simple ones (which consist of two basins) and large ones (three basins). Some were seemingly roofed, a few were paved with white mosaic and some of the collecting vats were vaulted. The preliminary quantitative study of the production indicates that wine was produced initially to be consumed locally within the Greater Petra Region and part might had been sold to the merchants and travelers who passed by Petra, which was the main commercial caravan station in Nabataea. Production for export does not seem to have taken place.

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