Daily Life in Ancient Greece - The British Museum

Amphora

Amphora means 'to carry on both sides.' Amphorae were used for carrying and storing solids and liquids.

This amphora was filled with special olive oil and given as a prize to a winning athlete during the Panathenaia.

Athena was painted on one side, and on the other, the sporting event for which the prize was given.

These two fighters are probably taking part in the pankration, a vicious mixture of boxing, wrestling and kicking.

This amphora would have been filled with wine, which was the most popular drink in Athens and could also be used in performing libations for the gods.

The warrior in the decoration is holding a special bowl called a phiale. He would have used this dish to pour wine offerings to the gods to ensure victory or his safe return from battle.

The large size of this amphora tells us it wasn't used to serve wine at the table. For this reason, it did not need to be decorated, like other amphorae.

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