AMPHORAS IN THE CENTRE D'ETUDES ALEXANDRINES

Amphoras in the CEAA (2)

Amphoras have been found in large numbers in the shipwrecks. Within the shipwreck QB1, the excavation of which has recently been completed, there were 495 amphoras, many still bearing their stopper - an operculum of fired clay sealed with pozzolana. These amphoras came from Apulia in the south-east of Italy and date to the first half of the 1st century BC. The inside walls of the amphoras are covered with pitch, which would indicate that they held wine. Italian archaeologists are at present excavating the wineries where these amphoras were produced.

Another wreck, coming from Rhodes in the 3rd century BC, was also carrying wine amphoras but in certain of them pine nut cones have been found. This is direct evidence of the importation of this "fruit" whose use in cooking and baking Apicius described.

"Lamboglia 2" amphora - Adriatic coast of Italy, for wine, production 3rd - 1st centuries BC.© CEA

Amphora stopper
© CEA

In each of our publications one or more chapters are dedicated to amphoras.. For example in the recent volume on the Necropolis (2001), we note the use of amphoras within a funerary context, how they were used to provide drinks taken during the funerary meals held in communion with the deceased and how, once empty, they were re-used as modest receptacles for dead infants.

There are regular visits by specialist to the CEAA to study the amphoras. First and foremost, Kann Senol and Gonca Senol of the University of Izmir, and Robert Leffy who draws up graphic documentation, but also other scholars from around the world, though principally from Mediterranean countries.

In a future version of our web site we hope to be able to put on line the bibliography of the amphoras with all the studies held in the CEA and even a data base of the amphoras found during our excavations both on land and underwater.

Robert Leffy at the drawing board - © CEA