Commercial Amphorae

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the amphora was the standard container for transporting liquids and some foods. These ranged from wine to olive oil, a fish sauce called garum, and pickles. Innumerable amphorae were made from the 7th century BC to late Byzantine times, and many have been found in ancient shipwrecks. Most amphorae held about 15 to 20 litres, although larger ones did exist. Differences in shape served as a guide to the contents, along with ink or paint inscriptions.