Haris Pools, Ancient winepress archaeological site in Barkan, Palestine
Haris Pools is an archaeological site featuring multiple winepress pools carved into solid bedrock throughout the area. The pools vary in depth and connect through channels that once guided juice from pressing areas into collection and fermentation vessels.
The site developed during the Roman period when this region served as a major wine-producing area. Later inhabitants continued using the pools, leading to expansions and modifications that extended the facility's use across several centuries.
Wine production shaped daily life and trade in this ancient settlement, with the carved pools serving as the centerpiece of local economic activity. The layout of the site reveals how communities organized their work and valued this agricultural skill.
Access to the site is via marked paths, and sturdy shoes are advisable as the ground is uneven with exposed rock formations. A local guide can explain the function of each pool and help visitors understand how the entire operation worked.
The pools were not all carved at the same time but show different construction styles reflecting changes in wine-making technology. This layering effect lets visitors trace innovations in how techniques evolved and improved over the centuries of use.
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