The archaeology of wine in the Roman Period: the project Cella Vinaria and the wine production complex at Vallmora (Teià-Maresme-Barcelona). New contributions to research

Abstract

The study of winemaking processes in ancient times have traditionally been addressed in a more or less general view with special emphasis on the description of the different archaeological structures preserved in the archaeological sites, completing the speech with partial references to written sources that were used to certify or disprove the various interpretative hypotheses raised. This paper intends to present in outline, new ways of study and investigation lines open to us in archaeology, by the application of experimental sciences methods and new study skills from other disciplines, for in-depth in the knowledgement of all stages of ancient winemaking processes and, in particular, the study of the production, distribution, commercialization and consumption of Roman wine in ancient times. Based on data obtained from the excavation of the Roman cellar of Veral de Vallmora (Teià, Maresme, Barcelona) during the years 1999 and 2003-2005 and as a result of implementation of Cella Vinaria Project, has been able to develop a research program that has allowed the study and interpretation of the archaeological record and the progress in the knowledgement of the Archaeology of Roman wine, understanding this fact as an socio-economic and cultural phenomenon widespread.