Tel Jezreel and Valley

Vineyards were a valued commodity in the ancient world, being a source of luxury and income. In the Jezreel Valley, the climate and the topography were ideal for such a crop. Let’s take a look at some drone footage of Jezreel and its immediate environment. Notice the fertile plans and the ample crops.

In November of 2017, Biblical Archaeology Review published the excavation of an Iron Age winepress at ancient Jezreel. Excavated by Norma Franklin and Jennie Ebeling, the installation was dated between 900 and 700 BC, putting its possible usage during the time of Ahab. The installation was cut out of the limestone rock and sits just off the known location of Jezreel’s palace complex. While it’s impossible to determine precisely, it’s possible that this winepress would have pressed the grapes from Naboth’s vineyard.