Ancient Christian "Holy Wine" Factory Found in Egypt

[Viggen]

Two wine presses found in Egypt were likely part of the area's earliest winery, producing holy wine for export to Christians abroad, archaeologists say. Egyptian archaeologists discovered the two presses with large crosses carved across them near St. Catherine's Monastery, a sixth-century A.D. complex near Mount Sinai on the Sinai Peninsula. Several gold coins picturing the Roman Emperor Valens, who ruled from A.D. 364 to 378, were also found near the presses. The wine presses could date to the same period, archaeologists say.

 

full article at National Geographic

[SPQR]

It is intresting to see how Roman Culture adapted to Christians and their needs. Funny how anti-Roman Christians always fail to mention the Christian Emperors.

[Northern Neil]

It is intresting to see how Roman Culture adapted to Christians and their needs. Funny how anti-Roman Christians always fail to mention the Christian Emperors.

The reverse is the case on both counts. Christianity soaked up Roman and Pagan tradition like a sponge, and emperors like Constantine and Theodosius are still called 'The Great' because of their patronage of the Church. But you are correct in the way Rome is regarded by some Christians, who are obviously oblivious to the fact that their religion was re-invented and eventually protected by the Empire. But for the Roman Empire, Christianity in its definitive form would never have existed.

 

Getting back to the wine presses, I wonder if the Muslim ban on Alcohol came ready - formed into their religion, or developed as a result of seeing its association with the rival religion? Are there records of vineyard in the Nile Valley at this time?

Edited June 20, 2008 by Northern Neil