Transport amphora (Canaanite jar)

What it is

Two-handled jar with a pointed base and a standardised body (c. 20-30 litres), designed to be stowed in ships' holds to transport wine, oil and resin. It is the standard container of maritime trade until Roman times.

Old Kingdom Egyptian and Minoan amphorae are contemporary with or earlier in form, but the Canaanite jar is the type standardised for international trade.

What it led to

• Bulk maritime trade in wine and oil (Uluburun carried 150 jars) with origin and capacity marks
• Standardisation of capacities that eased taxes and port customs
• A model for the Greek, Phoenician and Roman amphora, the 'shipping container' of antiquity

Built on

• Grape wine and vine domesticationc. 6000 BCE
• Olive oil and olive domesticationc. 4500 BCE
• Fast potter's wheelc. 3100 BCE
• Square sail and seagoing plank boatc. 3000 BCE
• Wine and oil production

Made possible

• Greek and Roman amphora
• Amphora stamp
• Stowed cargo hold

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