1,600-Year-Old Wine Factory Unearthed Near Ancient Castle in Turkey

Byzantine-era winemaking complex discovered in the shadow of a mountain fortress.

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved wine production center believed to be around 1,600 years old, dating back to the Byzantine period. The site was found near a historic mountain castle, offering new insights into ancient viticulture and regional trade networks.

🍇 Discovery Highlights

• The wine factory includes large stone basins, grape-pressing areas, and fermentation pools, indicating a commercial-scale operation.
• Located in the southeastern region of Turkey, the site’s proximity to a castle suggests strategic importance, possibly for protection and distribution.
• Artifacts such as clay amphorae, grape seeds, and tools were found, pointing to advanced winemaking techniques and long-term use.

🏰 Historical Context

• During the 4th–5th centuries CE, wine was a central commodity in the Byzantine Empire, used in religious rituals, daily life, and trade.
• The castle nearby may have served as a logistical hub, connecting the wine factory to broader Mediterranean markets.

🌍 Cultural Significance

• This discovery adds to growing evidence of Turkey’s role in ancient agricultural innovation and commerce.
• It also highlights the interplay between fortified settlements and rural production centers, a hallmark of Byzantine infrastructure.

📚 Source:
Fox News, “Archaeologists uncover 1,600-year-old wine factory hidden near ancient mountain castle” (October 2025). Read the full article.