Group of Roman Amphorae

Archaeology (Verulamium Museum)

Group of Roman Amphorae on display in Verulamium Museum, St Albans. An amphora is a ceramic jar used for storing and transporting food and liquids like wine and olive oil. These were often traded over long distances from other parts of the Roman empire, such as Gaul (modern day France) and Spain. Olive oil from Spain was the most popular import, and was used for cooking, bathing and lamp oil. Each amphora shape was associated with a particular regional product. Some bore stamps identifying the estates where goods were produced, or painted labels identifying the contents. Spherical oil amphorae from southern Spain were particularly common.

PH3501 amphorae.tif

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Jennifer Golding

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