ABSTRACT
The vast majority of traded commodities in the ancient world, many of which were undoubtedly perishables, rarely leave traces behind for the archaeologist or historian interested in the trade routes and commerce of antiquity. However, certain prized traded goods such as wine, olive-oil and fish products were often transported long distances in large pottery container jars-amphorae-which were tightly sealed and sturdily built to stand up to the buffeting of the long sea and land journey. These types of vessel were used over a long period of time in the Mediterranean and outlying areas and broken sherds of amphorae are commonly found on a variety of sites during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine eras. A detailed study of such amphorae can frequently provide valuable evidence of economic activity not easily available from most other classes of pottery. These large two-handled jars were specifically intended as containers for the bulk carrying of certain goods. Unlike the majority of other pottery types it was the contents that were prized rather than the vessel itself. An appreciation of the goods carried in amphorae and their origin can often furnish us with information on the ancient economy, the trade routes employed at particular times, and the relative importance of the centres of exportation and importation. In addition, it may throw some light on the lifestyle of the people who chose to import the best Italian wine or acquired a taste for high quality Spanish fish sauces.
