Introduction

In order to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Mediterranean connections, and of the roles of shipwrecks, seafaring and coastal communities in Bronzeearly Iron Age interregional trading systems, a maritime perspective is essential (Broodbank 2000: 2). Even if we have moved beyond ‘the lame use of “trade” as a self-explanatory force’ (Morris 2006: 67) in analysing interconnections in the prehistoric and early historic Mediterranean, we still need to explore ways to assess the complexities of Mediterranean trade and trade mechanisms. In this study, we seek to do so by considering the origin, development and likely functions-from the Early Bronze through the early Iron Ages in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean-of what we term the ‘maritime transport container’ (MTC) (after Marcus 2002: 409-411).