Amphora
/ˈæm.fə.rə/noun
A large ancient ceramic jar with two handles and a narrow neck, used for storing and transporting wine, oil, or grain.
Did you know?Amphorae were so central to trade and storage that their stamped handles and shapes became a kind of ancient supply-chain signature, letting archaeologists trace commerce across the Mediterranean.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂embʰi
“around, on both sides”
Ancient Greek
GRK
amphoreús (ἀμφορεύς)
“a two-handled jar or vessel for carrying”
Latin
LAT
amphora
“a large two-handled storage jar”
Old French
OFr
amphore
“an amphora; a vessel or jar”
Modern English
EN
amphora
“an ancient two-handled jar, especially one used in the Mediterranean world”
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