Amphora

Greek Amphora

The amphora was a container commonly used in Ancient Greece to store various foods and drinks. The bottom of these vessels is typically pointed, the body is wider than the neck, and they have two handles for easy carrying. In fact, the name of these vessels meant "carried on two sides" in Greek. The shape of the amphora was designed so that these vessels can be stored close together with a tight fit. This not only allows for more amphorae to be stored and shipped, but it also allows each container to stay safer because it is less likely to shift. 

They were commonly used for storage, but the primary usage was to ensure the item contained within delivered safely via either land or sea. Both dry goods and liquids, most often wine, could be stored and shipped in these vessels. Surviving amphorae have been found storing wine, oils, fish, and olives. They were generally made of ceramic, but some made from other materials, such as metal, have been discovered.

The unique design of the Greek amphora has its earliest roots in the containers of the Neolithic Period. Similar vessels were used in the Eastern Mediterranean civilizations of ancient times. They were later adopted by the Ancient Romans and Phoenicians for use in their trading industry. 

The various amphorae used in Ancient Greece differed greatly in size. The ones used as vases could be as tall as five feet and as small as eleven inches. The standard height for most of them was about 18 inches tall, and these typically carried about 41 quarts of their substance.  

High-Quality and Authentically Crafted Replicas

If you're interested in pottery from Ancient Greece, high-quality reproductions of amphorae from this period are available from Museum Replicas. The replicas are each based on a specific, ancient vessel that exists in either a museum or private collection. The reproductions are made with attention to every detail. They are perfect for decorating an office or living room as well as to use when teaching ancient history. The replicas are made using the same methods that were used in ancient Greece and use the same materials as much as possible. Each piece is handmade to order by artisans in Greece to ensure their authenticity.

Meaning to carry on both sides. They always have two vertical handles, a wide body, and a narrow neck. They come in all sizes and some even have lids. They were used to store and transport liquids, like water and wine, and solids, like grain and olives.