Ancient Roman Vessels
The ancient Romans relied upon vessels for everyday use. They stored everything from wine, olive oil, even food in these vases and many vessels were used for specific items. When thinking of ancient Roman vessels, many people automatically think of pottery and ceramics. Although these were common, other items were used to make vessels as well. Wood, skin, and even glass were used to make amphorae and other vessels.
Amphorae were commonly used to transport goods for trade, whether at the local market or transported by boat overseas. A common feature on amphorae was a pointed bottom and dual handles. The pointed bottom made the vessel easy to push into the ground so it did not tip or placed on a ring holding it securely. During transport by ship, the amphorae were tied tightly together keeping them upright as a whole. Amphorae used to transport trade goods like olive oil were simple constructions meant for single use and frequently had the name of where the oil came from painted on the vessel. Once the goods inside were used the majority of vessels were broken and tossed aside because the amphorae were easily made and very cost efficient. In fact, in some places like Testaccio there is a hill there called Monte Testaccio that is actually made from the remains of thousands of broken pieces of pottery that is an incredible 45 meters tall and with a circumference of greater than a kilometer.
Amphorae that were not broken down after use were used again for a variety of purposes. While food stocks such as grain or oil were placed in these used containers, often the vessels were used to hold the ashes of the dearly departed. This was often done by poorer citizens of Rome who could not afford elaborate amphora for the deceased. Another common use for these leftover vessels was urinals.
More elaborate amphorae were also made as well. These vessels had glazes, carvings, and figurines attached or applied to the surface of the amphorae before being sold for ceremonial purposes or for gifts. Many were used for social occasions hosted by the more affluent Roman citizens. Some of these were even used for prizes in public events such as the Pantheon. One type of amphora, called a loutrophoros, was used specifically for funerals, other vases were used as grave markers. These vases were very large so as to clearly mark the site.
Glass became very popular to use in Rome, especially during the later periods. Glass was used to make vials, bottles, and boxes. These could be used to hold perfume, cosmetics, and jewelry. These glass containers were used by traders to store and transport food and other trade goods as well. Wood and animal skins were also used on occasion to transport and store goods, particularly by herders and farmers on the outskirts of Rome.
There are two main distinctions of amphorae, those being the one piece amphora and the neck amphora. The one piece amphora is categorized by the neck and body forming a continuous curve. The neck amphora is an amphora that has the neck and body meet at a sharp angle. Height of amphorae greatly varied some were only twelve inches tall while others could be as tall as five feet. These large amphorae could sometimes hold up to 17 gallons of liquid within it. Currently there are 66 types of amphorae identified, each one has distinct characteristics that separates it from the others.
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