August 2012 – While digging for a new road in Hod Hasharon, near Kfar Malal, an ancient olive press dating from the late Byzantine―early Moslem period (6-8th century) was discovered.
It was apparently used to produce olive oil on a commercial scale. The pressing stone itself was discovered as well as a system of pipes, channels and cisterns to drain off the oil.
The Israel’s Antiquities Authority’s chief archaeologist, Amit Re’em, said that they were surprised to find that the pressing stone itself was part of giant blocks embedded in the earth. This is most unusual. Most presses were hewn out of bedrock, but the soil is soft in this area and so large ashlars were brought here to form the base of the press. “We are still searching for similar such presses in the country.” He also confirmed that the large size of the press indicated that it was not for personal use, but was most probably for commercial use, as large quantities of oil could be retrieved from such a press.
The municipality is now looking to zone off the area for an archaeological park so that residents can view this aspect of life in ancient times.
Large stone weights were found nearby. These are believed to have been used for pressing bags of olives. These stones will be displayed to the public in one of the parks in the area.
Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority
