Amphora

Amphora Latest News

A Roman shipwreck over 2,100 years old has been recently located off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Italy, about five kilometers offshore and at a depth of 46 meters, with a cargo of around 500 amphorae.

About Amphora

• It is an ancient vessel form used as a storage jar, particularly in Mediterranean cultures.
• It is a two-handled pot with a neck that is considerably narrower than the body.
• The term “amphora” originates from the Greek word meaning “carried on both sides.”   
• There are two types of amphora: 
  • the neck amphora, in which the neck meets the body at a sharp angle; 
  • the one-piece amphora, in which the neck and body form a continuous curve.  
• The average normal height is about 18 inches (45 centimetres). 
• These vessels served both practical and ornamental purposes: 
  • While functional amphorae were designed for trade and typically had a pointed base for upright storage, decorative versions were crafted for display within homes, often featuring a flat base. 
• Initially appearing in the late Iron Age, amphorae were crucial for transporting various goods, such as wine, oil, and grains, and played a significant role in the development of the wine industry. 
• Over time, the design of amphorae varied by region and era, leading to distinctive shapes that helped identify their origins. 
• Archaeological discoveries of amphorae provide valuable insights into ancient trade, dietary practices, and societal structures, as they were commonly found in shipwrecks and excavation sites. 

News: DC

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