Data copyright © University of Southampton unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under the ADS Terms of Use and Access.
Dr
David
Williams
Dept of Archaeology
University of Southampton
Avenue Campus
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
England
Tel: 080 593032
Distinctive FeaturesThis is a large amphora imitating the Campanian Dressel 2-4 type. It has a rounded convex rim, long cylindrical neck, often with a band of grooves in the centre, long handles with a scored groove along the entire length, placed at the edge of the shoulder which is stepped. The shoulder is rounded and the body is tall and ‘carrot’ -shaped. The toe is solid, with a marked spiral twist. The body bears marked cut band grooving. The walls are quite thick and heavy. The surfaces are often pitted due to lime and fossil shell inclusions. The handles of later, fourth century, examples are folded down the centre and not scored.See characteristics | ||
Date RangeBeirut examples occur in early second to late fourth century AD contexts. The classic form dates to the second century AD. The earliest date is early second century AD. The latest date is late fourth century AD, though the grooved handles do not date beyond the early third century AD. It is difficult to distinguish between this form and the more globular amphorae with more tronco -conical necks that emerge in the third century (see Reynolds, 2005a: 567, Figs. 40-3).Search: [2nd century AD] [3rd century AD] [4th century AD] | ||
OriginProbably the amphora type for Amrit and/or Tartus (north Syrian coast, near the Lebanese border). Type pieces are two complete examples on display in the Museum of Tartus. This was probably the locally made amphora of Tartus/Antaradus and/or Amrit/Marathus.Search: [The Levant] | ||
DistributionVery common in Beirut and also common in Tartus and Amrit. It was possibly exported to Cyprus. Found in Beirut, Tartus, Amrit and Anemurium? (Hayes, 1991: 94, Pl. 25.7, Type 9).Search: [Cyprus] [Lebanon] [The Levant] | ||
ContentsUnknown, but probably wine. It is perhaps significant that the inside of these vessels are often stained dark grey-brown, in a manner similar to Gazan amphorae.Search: [Wine] | ||
CommentsPrincipal contributor: Paul Reynolds | ||
ClassificationTartus Amphora |