The Rise of Wine among Ancient Civilizations across the Mediterranean Basin

The purpose of this work is to present the archaeological and historical background viticulture winemaking from ancient times day in Mediterranean basin. According recent archaeological, archaeochemical archaeobotanical data, emerged during Neolithic period (c. 7th–6th millennium BC) South Caucasus, situated between basins Black Caspian Seas, subsequently reached Iberian Peninsula Western Europe local beginning Iron Age 8th century BC), following main maritime civilizations. This review summarises most relevant findings evidencing that expansion wine production, besides depending on adequate pedo-climatic conditions wine-growing practices, also required availability pottery vessels properly ferment, store transport without deterioration. domestication wild grapevines enabled selection more productive varieties, further sustaining development trade. Other fermented beverages such as mead beer gradually lost their relevance soon became valorised. Together with grapes, it an object a system value for religious rituals social celebrations throughout successive Moreover, was used medicinal purposes linked wide variety health benefits. In everyday life, pleasant drink consumed by elite classes commoner populations jubilee years, festivals, banquets, fulfilling function easy communication. work, emphasis put technical interpretation selected sources may explain viticultural oenological practices. Hopefully, will contribute nurturing mutual understanding archaeologists professionals.