Storiascopio · Era 4 of 12 · primary year 4
Amphorae for oil and wine
about 800 BC · Mediterranean ports
In short
The amphora was a large clay jar with two handles and a pointed base, used to carry olive oil, wine and fish sauces. The point allowed amphorae to be wedged side by side in a ship's hold, or stuck into the sand. Each people and each region had its own shapes, and the handles often bore the maker's stamp. Whole cargoes of them still lie on the seabed, in the wrecks of sunken ships.
Why it matters By following amphorae, archaeologists piece together the trade routes and table tastes of the ancient world.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Amphora”
Where we are in the era “Sea civilisations”
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about 2000 BCEvent 18 of 25about 500 BC
Your turn
Name ______________________ Class ______ Date __________
When did it happen? Find the date at the top and write it here:
Tell it in your own words: what happened?
Draw the scene below.
storiascopio.com/en/event/amphorae-for-oil-and-wine/ · free worksheet, you may photocopy it for your class