According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, Amphora is an ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, Amphora is a long, narrow clay container with two handles, wider at the top than at the base, that was used in ancient times especially for storing oil or wine.
The term Amphora is derived from a Greek word amphi- phoreus that means ‘carried on both sides’.
It is a kind of container having characteristic shape and size. They could be plain or decorated with beautiful designs. They belong to the Neolithic period.
It has a super pointed bottom and a narrow neck. They were made up of baked clay or terracotta.
Two main types are-
- Neck amphora- here, the body and neck meet at a sharp angle.
- Belly amphora (or simply amphora)- here, the body and neck form the continuous curve upward.
Functions
It was a vessel used for storage purposes and as a transport vessel for olives, cereal, oil, perfumes, foodstuff and other commodities but mostly for wine. As one of the purposes of constructing amphora was transportation which is why it is found throughout the ancient world. It was a kind of wine bottle.
It is also used in burial practices as a container for the ashes of the dead.
Importance of Amphora
It is of great importance in archaeology because its presence helps in providing the date of the sites, trade relations and everyday diet. It tells us about the way of ancient people lives, their customs and rituals.
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