A Forgotten Press Building at Lamluda

Abstract

AbstractPresented here are the preliminary results of the unfinished excavations conducted by Richard Goodchild in the late 1950s at Lamluda, east of Cyrene on the upper plateau of the Jebel Akhdar. One of the most interesting discoveries was a well-preserved press complex comprising a press and series of associated rooms, including a storage magazine. The evidence indicates that the complex was probably used for producing wine rather than olive oil; it appears to be of Late Roman or more likely of sixth-century date. This date is indicated by a reused stone bearing three faint carved Maltese crosses found incorporated within Room A. It is clear that parts of the complex were later modified; it is tempting to relate this later activity to continued occupation of the site after the Arab conquest.