Archeologists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old olive oil mill in the ancient city of Tripolis in southwestern Turkey. Discovered in Turkey's Aegean province of Denizli, the mill is expected to shed light on the rich olive history of the region, according to Doğan News Agency.
The mill was uncovered during the excavation of an ancient agora. The mill room measures 3.5 meters, with a stone press 50 centimeters in diameter used to crush the olives.
"This mill, which we can say is 2,000 years old, shows us that in the past this region was rich in olive cultivation," stated Professor Bahadır Duman of Pamukkale University's Archeology Department and Tripolis Excavation Committee.
Fifty columns were raised during the restoration of the agora, clearing the center area where the mill was discovered.
Duman, who oversees the dig, reported that excavation will continue along with restoration of the agora.
