Transport Amphora (Middle Roman Amphora 7)
Terracotta, H. 78.0 cm, W. 27.0 cm, D. 23.0 cm
Probably manufactured in the Aegean, found at Dura-Europos, first half of the 3rd century CE
Yale University Art Gallery, Yale-French Excavations at Dura-Europos: 1938.5999.4288
Photography © 2011 Yale University Art Gallery
Many ancient Mediterranean cultures used amphoras, large two-handled ceramic jars, to carry liquid goods, such as olive oil, wine, or fish-sauce. Each amphora type is regionally specific; since the type seen here is most commonly found on sites near the Aegean Sea, the vessel and the product it carried both likely came from that area. Its presence at Dura-Europos is a clear indication of the town’s extensive economic contact with the Mediterranean region in the Roman period.