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date: 15 February 2025

amphorae and amphora stamps, Greeklocked

amphorae and amphora stamps, Greeklocked

  • Mark L. Lawall

Summary

Transport amphorae, used throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, were plain clay vessels with two handles, used for the transportation and storage of wine, olive oil, and many other commodities. The specific shapes of the jars varied over time and from region to region, so they can be identified with some degree of accuracy today. Stamped impressions of names and images on the jars were used at times to manage civic control over their production and perhaps facilitate their distribution. The stamps are often helpful, too, by indicating the place and date of manufacture. As these jars played such an important role in ancient commerce, studies of their distribution patterns can shed light on trade routes and commercial networks around the Mediterranean.

Subjects

  • Greek Material Culture: Bronze Age
  • Greek Material Culture

Updated in this version

Article rewritten and expanded to reflect current scholarship. Figures added.

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