Women's Economic Influence Exposed in Ancient Olive Oil Production Center

Ancient settlement Lyrboton Kome in Antalya's Kepez district has revealed a significant olive oil production center from the Roman period, showcasing the crucial role of women in economic life. Nevzat Çevik, a professor at Akdeniz University's Department of Archaeology and leader of the excavations, described Lyrboton Kome as 'an olive-producing farm in antiquity.'

The site, affiliated with Perge, has provided evidence of large-scale olive oil production, including dozens of workshops. Arete, a priestess of Demeter, used her own money to build an olive oil tower and establish a foundation that protected olive trees and supported religious festivals.

Çevik emphasized the economic importance of olive oil production in ancient times, stating that Antalya and its surroundings were 'an important export center' during the Roman period. He noted that revenue from olive oil production funded monumental buildings in Perge and other structures along its main street.