Amphorae

An amphora is a tall ceramic jar with two vertical handles attached near the neck and shoulder, a narrow mouth, and a body that narrows toward the base. In the ancient Mediterranean, amphorae were the standard container for bulk storage and transport of perishables, especially wine and olive oil, but also garum, grains, and other goods. Amphorae were produced across Greek, Roman, and broader Mediterranean pottery traditions and were used from the early first millennium BCE into late antiquity. Size varied widely, from a few liters to several dozen liters, depending on trade needs and vessel type.

Most amphorae were made of clay and were wheel-thrown, sometimes with slip to create a smoother interior and exterior. They often featured two vertical handles attached to the neck or upper body. The base could be pointed (for quick packing in racks in holds) or flat, depending on period and place. Interior surfaces were sometimes coated with resin or other substances to retard leakage and preserve contents.

Archaeologists distinguish amphorae by shape and origin, with terms like neck amphorae and belly amphorae describing differences in body proportions. Regional styles flourished in Greece, Italy, Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. Because amphorae were widely used for long-distance trade, their shapes and maker marks help date archaeological contexts and identify trading networks.

Amphorae remain common in shipwrecks and archaeological sites; many survive only as ceramic fragments; some complete examples are held in museums and used as decorative items. Modern studies categorize amphorae to reconstruct ancient economies, strengthening our understanding of trade, production, and consumption in antiquity.