A middle Byzantine olive press room at Aphrodisias

During the 1962 excavations at Aphrodisias, a number of marble storage jars and a marble basin were discovered which were tentatively associated with wine production. The area was further excavated in 1970 when more pieces were uncovered in situ and then placed west of their original positions where they now remain (fig 1) (Erim 1970: 60, figs 44, 45). These remains have since been identified as equipment used in the production of olive oil. This article provides a record of the individual items excavated, a discussion of their original findspots, and a hypothetical reconstruction of the operation of the press, ollowed by a discussion of the production capacity and date of such a processing plant.