JERUSALEM, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a 5,000-year-old rock-hewn winepress near the ancient city of Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley of northern Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority said in a statement on Wednesday.

Dating back to the Early Bronze Age IB, spanning approximately between 3,300 and 3,000 BC, the winepress -- one of the oldest discovered in the country -- was carved directly into the rock and features a sloping treading floor and a collection vat.

Researchers noted that it offers a rare glimpse into a period when urbanization was just beginning to take shape in the region.

Until now, only indirect evidence had suggested that wine was produced in the area around 5,000 years ago, and the discovery provides the first clear proof that early wine production actually occurred there.

Archaeologists also uncovered remains of residential buildings around the winepress, showing that the site was part of a thriving community and that Megiddo's influence extended beyond its known boundaries.

In addition, Canaanite ritual vessels from the Late Bronze Age, about 3,300 years ago, were found carefully buried nearby. These included a miniature ceramic shrine, large storage jars, imported jugs from Cyprus, and a unique set of libation vessels used for ceremonial pouring.

Among them was a ram-shaped vessel with a small bowl attached to its body, likely serving as a funnel. When tilted, the liquid would flow from the ram's mouth into a smaller bowl.

Researchers said these vessels were used to pour valuable liquids such as wine, oil, or milk as religious offerings.

Their placement outside the city, within sight of Megiddo's main temple, suggests that local farmers conducted ritual ceremonies and offerings in open-air sanctuaries. ■