Ancient Roman Jugs

The Roman government was known to provide free food to hundreds of thousands of people every day and ancient Roman jugs oftern played a role. They depended on jugs of clay and glass to store and transport in order to avoid food shortages anywhere. They imported food using jugs and glass from Spain, Gaul and Africa. The government would form convoys from Egypt, North Africa, and Sicily to bring food to all areas. This effort to acquire, ship store and distribute food was very important and depended on many to complete the task.

Vessels that were like our fifty-five gallon drums were used throughout the Roman Empire. These were called amphorae and were used to store things such as olive oil, wine or grapes. These jugs were reinforced at the bottom and usually made to a standard size. They were made from clay commonly called terracotta.
The Romans were known to build aqueducts as a way to transport water into an area. The women of the town would meet in the town center with empty jugs to fill up with the water. They would then place a towel formed as a circular rope on top of their heads to support the weight of the jar with water. They would then walk regally back to their homes with the jugs of water balanced on their heads.

Also very well known ancient Roman artifacts are glass bottles. Those who are lucky enough to find such a treasure can enjoy the wonderful effects of time and color intricacies. These are prized by collectors and have become quite valuable. They also used glass storage jars that were sort of mass produced with a mold blowing process. The craftsman would usually stamp the bottom of the jug to show the name or perhaps the content of the jug.

There is a place in Italy called Mount Testaccio, better known to some people as the hill of olive oil jars. Over time, the citizens of the town have made a hill of these jugs that cannot be recycled. Come rain or shine, they have been piling these jugs on to this hill called the hill of broken pots! Many archeologists go to dig. Some stay long enough to burrow deep into the pile. Many times, they come back with large fragments or complete jugs. You can find this hill between the Tiber River and Porta S. Paulo just inside the southern part of the Aurelian Walls of Rome. You can't miss it, there are hundreds of millions of jugs in the pile.
Of course, you do not have to go there if you are in the market for a jug from Italy. You will be able to find many beautiful reproductions jugs and ampullae. It is as simple as doing a search for them on line. Once you see the one you like, just place your order and they will ship it directly to your home.