The Importance of Amphorae in the Roman Empire

We have visited several areas of Italy which point to the incredible importance of amphorae to the ancient Roman economy. The first, of vital importance, is the hill of pots in Rome.

This large mound of disposed amphorae offers a wonderful view of the city (though not quite as impressive as the one offered by the top of St. Peter's basilica). Walking up this hill gives a very unique sound as each footstep is placed atop pieces of the broken ceramics. The size of the hill tells us how needed amphorae was at the time of Rome's early expansion.

Another area which suggests the vast use of pots is in the city of Pompeii. As excavations went on, most of the intact pots were consolidated into one location. Shelves and shelves of amphorae can be found there. The use of this amount of pots can be easily justified.

Two essential goods, among many others, were transported within these amphorae: wine, and olive oil. The importance of wine shouldn't be underestimated, as it could be the only clean drinkable liquid in some regions, due to its alcoholic nature. However, what really should not be underestimated (I certainly did) was the importance of olive oil. This could not only be used as an edible good, but as fuel for lanterns, lubricant for equipment, and much more. Olive oil was of such importance, in fact, that some say the Roman Empire would not have existed without it.

Of course, something has to transport it, and that's where amphorae finds its role.

Overall, I did not think pots could be that important, or interesting, but that's the Roman Empire for you.