Ancient Amphorae

The characteristic features of the ‘amphora’ are its shape and size, with this type of container dating back at least as far as the Neolithic Period. Amphorae were used in vast numbers for the transport and storage of various products, both liquid and dry, but mostly for wine. Ancient Greece was primarily responsible for the large-scale production of high-quality, painted amphorae, which were employed for a variety of social and ceremonial purposes. A smaller version around 10cm tall, was known as an amphoriskos.