2,000-year-old grapevines in Ethiopia may preserve an ancient farming legacy

Researchers found evidence that surviving grapevines in Ethiopia's Tigray region may be descendants of vines from the Aksumite Kingdom, which thrived from 150 BCE to 800 CE.

Aksum was a powerful civilization connected to Red Sea trade routes linking Africa with the Mediterranean and Near East.

Archaeological excavations at ancient Aksum uncovered grape seeds, wine vessels, and rock-cut wine presses, indicating ancient grape cultivation.

An international team of geographers, agronomists, and archaeologists conducted the study to investigate if modern vines descend from ancient introductions.