Wine in the Byzantine Agricultural Encyclopedia Geoponica

Oinos or vinum was one of the most prestigious and common beverages in Greek and Roman culture. Without a doubt, wine got an equally great recognition in the Eastern Roman Empire, where, as before, it was a signifier of social position and cultural identity. Nevertheless, wine was considered a drink beneficial to the human body and health. The motive of wine was also a significant one in the Greek thought for many distinguished and prominent authors, among others Plato, Aristotle, Theophrastus and Epicurus. Naturally, a similar passion was retained in the late ancient and Byzantine culture and literature. It is therefore not surprising that in Geoponica, so much attention and care was devoted to the types of oinos and its production, maintenance and preservation. It is also not surprising that this work includes recipes for preparing medicinal wines, which have been eagerly used for a long time.