Beyond their physical shape, these vessels were standard units of measurement. An Attic wine amphora, for instance, typically held about 39 liters (approximately 41 quarts). Economic and Archaeological Significance
Physically, amphorae are categorized into two primary structural types: amphora
: The neck and body merge in a continuous, smooth curve. Beyond their physical shape, these vessels were standard
: The neck and the body meet at a sharp, distinct angle. : The neck and the body meet at a sharp, distinct angle
The structural design of the amphora was dictated by its specific utility. Most transport amphorae featured a , which allowed them to be easily stacked in the sandy holds of ships or upright in soft soil. This narrow base also acted as a third "handle," providing a grip for pouring.
The is one of the most iconic and versatile ceramic vessels of the ancient world, serving as the "cardboard box" of antiquity for the transport and storage of essential Mediterranean commodities . Derived from the Greek amphi ("on both sides") and phorein ("to carry"), its name perfectly describes its defining feature: two vertical handles flanking a narrow neck. While often admired today as masterpieces of Greek art, these vessels were primarily functional objects that underpinned the complex trade networks of the Bronze Age, Classical Greece, and the Roman Empire. Form and Function
For modern archaeologists, amphorae are invaluable artifacts for reconstructing ancient economies. Because they were mass-produced and frequently discarded after a few uses, they appear in massive quantities at shipwrecks and ancient harbors. Hellenistic and Roman Stamped Amphora Handles from Phaselis