Archaeologists have uncovered one of the Roman Empire’s largest olive oil production complexes in Tunisia’s Kasserine region. The dig revealed a sprawling torcularium equipped with twelve presses and another nearby facility with eight. The discovery highlights Tunisia’s historic role as Rome’s leading olive oil supplier, aided by a climate ideal for vast groves. Ground-penetrating radar exposed roads, homes, and a market site approved in 138 AD, illustrating how the area once thrived as a social and commercial hub. Excavations also revealed mills, cisterns, and artifacts spanning centuries, offering a vivid look at daily life and large-scale agricultural operations that sustained Rome’s demand for oil in food, medicine, and lighting.
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