780/A Thebes shield / amphora pendant View larger

780/A Thebes shield / amphora pendant

780/A

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Boeotia, Thebes AR Stater. ca 425–400 BC. Boeotian shield / Q-E, amphora

Reverse: Definition of amphora

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Data sheet

Article group Pendants
Gender For Him or Her
Depiction Vases & Sculptures
Historic Period Era: Classical
Material Solid Sterling Silver
Outer diameter 24 mm (15⁄16in)
Inner (coin) diameter 19 mm (3⁄4in)

More info

An amphora is a type of ceramic vase with two handles and a long neck narrower than the body.

Amphorae first appeared on the Syrian coast around the 15th century BC and spread around the ancient world, being used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as the principal means for transporting and storing grapes, olive oil, wine, oil, olives, grain, fish, and other commodities. They were produced on an industrial scale from Greek times and used around the Mediterranean until about the 7th century.
High-quality painted amphorae were produced in significant numbers for a variety of social and ceremonial purposes. Their design differs significantly from the more functional versions; they are typified by wide mouth and a ring base, with a glazed surface and decorated with figures or geometric shapes. Such amphorae were often used as prizes.
Some examples, bearing the inscription "I am one of the prizes from Athens", have survived from the Panathenaic Festivals held between the 6th century BC to the 2nd century in Greece.