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05.07.2021

Pottery amphora

The ceramic amphora you've described is a significant archaeological find dating from the 1st half of the 3rd century AD. It was discovered during excavations conducted by the Archaeological Section of the Winchester Museum Service on Victoria Road, Winchester, in the mid to late 1970s.

This large globular amphora was unearthed from a cremation burial site located at the north gate of Roman Winchester. In this context, a hole was intentionally punctured in the side wall of the vessel to accommodate cremated remains. Interestingly, this burial was accompanied by another amphora that had a flat bottom.

The globular amphorae, like the one in question, were primarily used for transporting olive oil produced in southern Spain, which was part of the Roman province known as Baetica. These amphorae were designed to store and transport this valuable commodity across the Roman Empire. The branding on the handle of the globular vessel likely represents a Roman estate in Spain where olive trees were cultivated. This practice of labeling amphorae with their place of origin was common during the Roman period.

It's noteworthy that the presence of amphorae in this tomb may symbolize a belief in the provision of luxury items in the afterlife, reflecting the cultural significance and beliefs of the time. Such archaeological discoveries provide valuable insights into the trade networks, burial practices, and cultural expressions of ancient civilizations like the Romans.

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