Amphora handles
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Amphoras were large 2 handled pottery vessels mainly used for transporting wine and olive oil in bulk. The standard capacity was 3 modii which is a bit over 26 litres but the sizes did vary. Amphoras of different types and styles were used throughout the Roman period. To a lesser extent other preserved commodities; grape, olive and fish products, fruits and vegetables and non-food items were also transported in amphoras.
Found at Brislington Roman villa site during the development of what is now Winchester Road in December 1899. The villa is contemporary with several others in the region, built about AD 270 as a working farm with workshops until destroyed by fire about AD 370.
Photographs exhibited with kind permission of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which has this in its collection (reference number Fb6952).
Material: ceramic
Period: Romano-British
Find spot: Winchester Road, Brislington. ST 616709
Exhibit contributed by Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Text written by Dawn Witherspoon, 2012
Photographer: Ken Taylor
Acquisition number: 120316c4