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.The term amphora derives from the Greek ἀμφί- (both) and φέρω (to carry), hence an amphoreus (pl. amphoreis/amphorēs) is a vessel carried on both sides. As the term implies, an amphora has two handles, one on either side of the central opening (mouth) (.
