An ancient wine production facility dating back 2,600 years was discovered in Lebanon. Ancient Phoenicians utilized the oldest press discovered in the area to produce wines that were highly valued in the Mediterranean region. The Phoenicians depended on agriculture to sustain a burgeoning population that consumed a greater amount of food than it generated. Cereal crops and winemaking were the primary agricultural activities in Phoenicia, supplemented by the cultivation of vegetables and domestication of animals for local consumption. The initial topic of discussion is cereal grains, such as barley and wheat, which can be utilized in the production of “cereals,” a form of porridge.

Agriculture and husbandry were the primary components of the Phoenician economy, despite the common association of the civilization with trading. The majority of the cereal crops cultivated were distributed to the peasants who required the calories for survival. Most Phoenician farmers utilized crops as a form of tax payment, as indicated by evidence. The grains would be conveyed to a noble’s stronghold, where they would be stored for personal consumption or sold to merchants. Due to the economy’s blend of rural and urban elements, affluent landowners often compensated laborers with both food and currency. Evidence suggests that, like the ancient Babylonians, the quantity of food a laborer obtained was based on factors such as gender, age, and physical stature. The young man received nearly double the amount that the old woman earned.

Agricultural cultivation was a complex process. Due to the Phoenicians’ coastal location, farmers had to be well-versed in irrigation techniques to combat recurrent freshwater shortages and soil salinity. The great city-states developed around fertile hinterlands that acted as small agricultural centers. They utilized irrigation systems to establish basic public sewer systems in order to maintain the cities’ cleanliness and health. Irrigation technology was utilized to construct cisterns and establish a distribution system for providing fresh water to urban areas, catering to merchants and laborers. Archaeological research showed that the Phoenicians farmed the lower areas of the Lebanese mountains, expanding crop cultivation space and improving irrigation methods.

Phoenicia experienced a grain shortage despite significant agricultural efforts. The population increased consistently from the Iron Age forward, and the stony, arid landscape posed challenges in cultivating extensive cereal grain fields. The Phoenicians had a propensity to cultivate barley whenever feasible, even if it required caring for little areas of crops. Barley was harvested and stored in silos for grain preservation. It was favored over wheat due to its superior resistance to air salt. Most individuals cultivated their own fruits and vegetables to complement their diet and alleviate any deficiencies.

Ancient Phoenicians utilized the oldest press discovered in the area to produce wines
The Phoenicians strengthened their agricultural sector by extensively cultivating vineyards, in addition to relying on cereal grain agriculture for survival. Viticulture is a specialized field of horticulture that specifically involves cultivating grapes for winemaking. Phoenicia was well-suited for growing grapes since it did not require as much water and area as cereal grains. The bright and warm climate facilitated the growth of vines, enabling the Phoenicians to produce a significant amount of wine for trade in exchange for grain to address their shortage. The fresh grapes were much sought after and could be traded at high rates in the market.

Mediterranean Red Grapes

Another product that was similar is the olive. Olives were a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet. The Phoenicians were skilled at growing robust olive trees and extracting oil from the fruits for preservation, sale, or religious ceremonies. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians highly valued and purchased fresh olives, similar to their appreciation for grapes.

Wine and olive oil held a prestigious status in the Phoenician economy and were used as commodities for trade across the ancient world. Archaeologists found two submerged merchant ships in 1999. Upon investigation, they uncovered a collection of amphorae packed with pinewood discs.