Pressing issues

The discovery of an agricultural press counterweight, during an archaeological reassessment of Region I.20 at Pompeii, alters previous hypotheses regarding the viticultural function of this insula. Traditional interpretations of quality, quantity and method must be adjusted. Furthermore, the type of counterweight found, a Semana (T55121) or Brun type 11, has implications not only for this insula and Pompeii, but also for the wider Italian peninsular. It illustrates a different method of mechanical pressing to that commonly found in Campania and is the first of this type to be found in southern Italy, which supports the theorised Greek colonial distribution of this technology. This brief study illuminates the need and the benefit of such archaeological reassessments, particularly in relation to ancient agricultural features.