Archaeologists for the Israel Antiquities Authority found the remains of an ancient community, most likely Christian, during the construction of an events hall near the Hamei Yoav hot springs.
The remains of an ancient Byzantine community, including a well-preserved wine press, were recently discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority near the Hamei Yoav hot springs in southern Israel. The discovery was made during excavations for the construction of an events hall.
The wine press, more than 100 square meters in size, includes a floor for crushing grapes. Dr. Rina Avner, the excavation director for the Israel Antiquities Authority, said that adjacent to the treading floor are compartments which were used to ferment grapes upon their arrival from vineyards and transform them into high-quality wine.
A model of a Byzantine-era church was found at the site, leading the authority to believe the owners of the wine press were Christian.
The archaeological finds will be incorporated into the events hall that is being constructed at the site.
View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=8423