Production area.
This sector is characterised by the presence of several vats integrated into a complex of structures associated with the processing and storage of products.
Probable processing facility, associated with the production activities of the Roman villa.
In this sector, five tanks are visible so far, one of which may correspond to the lacus, used to collect the must, as well as a central platform that may be identified as a calcatorium, an area used for treading grapes. Rooms associated with storage have also been identified, an interpretation suggested by the presence of numerous dolia, large ceramic containers used to store agricultural products. However, the evidence currently available does not yet allow us to confirm that this complex corresponds to a wine-processing facility.
Archaeological work has identified different phases of occupation and reorganisation of this area, suggesting that the production building, probably associated with a wine-processing facility, underwent at least two phases of construction and remodelling throughout its use.
The excavation of tanks 3 and 4 revealed that these structures belong to an earlier phase of occupation, dating to the early 1st century AD, and were probably abandoned or partially dismantled during the 2nd century AD. These structures were subsequently cut by the walls defining the rooms currently visible, corresponding to a second phase of reorganisation of the area. It is also possible that the construction of the calcatorium and tank 1, interpreted as a possible lacus, belong to the second phase of construction.
Although some evidence points to a possible wine-production function, the data currently available — including the results of GC–MS analyses of organic residues preserved in dolia fragments — are inconclusive and do not allow us to confirm with certainty that this complex corresponds to a wine-processing facility.
The archaeological materials recovered, including regionally produced amphorae, thin-walled pottery and terra sigillata, point to the occupation of this area from the early 1st century AD to, possibly, the mid-4th century AD.
Meet Priamus, a servant who works at the Roman Villa of Santa Catarina de Sítimos, a character created by the SITIMUS project to interact with visitors and present, in an accessible way, the results of the archaeological excavations currently underway in Sector B, on a journey through the production area of the Roman villa.
GALLERY
2024
2025
Queres ver os tanques 3 e 4 em 3D? Carrega na imagem!
De decurso dos trabalhos de campo, fizemos alguns levantamentos 3D (fotogrametria) com recursos ao nosso iPad Pro com câmera e sensor Lidar, utilizando a aplicação Polycam.