Visualizing the glocal through agricultural production

This chapter explores the use of glocalization as a tool to nuance our comprehension of diverse agricultural practices in Roman antiquity. It grounds itself in the premise that agriculture is, by its very nature, both global and deeply intertwined with the regional and local. An overview of one of the most widespread crops of the ancient Mediterranean, the grapevine, and one of its derivative products, wine, illustrates dynamic global-local interactions using archaeological and historical evidence. Two case studies then exemplify how a glocal lens might be applied: 1) rock-cut production installations, which are largely globally homogenous but present distinct local adaptations; and 2) the regional use of dolia defossa, linked to specific cultural influences, and adaptations in other regions to fulfill a similar purpose. Through these case studies, glocalization helps to untangle local and regional nuances in method, technology and infrastructure, often with distinct cultural roots, yet simultaneously influenced by and set within overarching global systems of practice.