Archaeologists from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice have announced the discovery of the second-largest Roman olive oil mill identified within the Roman Empire. This significant find is part of an ongoing archaeological mission in the Kasserine region of Tunisia, focusing on the ancient site of Cillium, located near the border with Algeria.
The excavations, which began in 2023 under the leadership of Prof. Samira Sehili from Université La Manouba in Tunisia and Prof. Fabiola Salcedo Garcés from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain, highlight the area’s historical importance in oil production. The site includes two major olive pressing facilities, known as torcularia, with one identified as the remarkable second-largest Roman oil mill discovered so far.
Insights into Ancient Roman Economy
Since 2025, Prof. Luigi Sperti, deputy director of the Department of Humanities at Ca’ Foscari, has co-directed the project. The excavations target two ancient olive farms situated in the Jebel Semmama massif, an area characterized by its favorable climate for olive cultivation. The region historically contributed significantly to the economy of Roman Africa, positioning Tunisia as a primary supplier of olive oil to Rome.
Excavations at the site of Henchir el Begar, formerly known as Saltus Beguensis, reveal structures dating from the 3rd to the 6th centuries AD. This estate, once owned by the vir clarissimus Lucillius Africanus in the 2nd century AD, spans approximately 33 hectares and contains two main sectors, Hr Begar 1 and Hr Begar 2. Both sectors feature olive presses, water-collection basins, and numerous cisterns, indicating a well-developed agricultural infrastructure.
Hr Begar 1 houses the largest Roman oil mill in Tunisia, equipped with a monumental torcularium comprising twelve beam presses. In contrast, Hr Begar 2 contains a second facility with eight presses. The presence of numerous stone millstones and mills suggests that the site supported a mixed production of cereals alongside olive oil, showcasing its agricultural versatility.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
The archaeological mission has benefitted from international collaboration, receiving institutional backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. This partnership aims to enhance research opportunities among Tunisia, Spain, and Italy, particularly in the field of production archaeology, which remains a vital aspect of Mediterranean civilizations.
Significant artifacts have been unearthed, including a decorated copper and brass bracelet and elements of architectural sculpture. These findings date from the modern age to the Byzantine era, such as a portion of a Roman press repurposed in a Byzantine wall. According to Prof. Sperti, “This mission offers an unprecedented insight into the agricultural and socio-economic organization of the frontier regions of Roman Africa.”
He further explains that olive oil played a crucial role in the daily lives of ancient Romans, being used not only in cooking but also for body care, sports, and medicine, and even as fuel for lighting in its lower quality forms. The ongoing research into the production, marketing, and transportation of olive oil during this period presents a unique opportunity for academic inquiry and economic development.
The discoveries at Cillium not only enrich our understanding of Roman agricultural practices but also underscore the enduring significance of archaeology as a field of excellence at Ca’ Foscari University.
