Amphoriskos

Designation (Engl. "small amphora") for a ceramic vessel that was much smaller than a real amphora, which was often used for the storage or transport of wine. These small vessels were used to store ointments, perfumes or fragrances. According to a hypothesis of the Spanish archaeologist Emilio Rodríguez Almeida (1930-2016), however, they also served as a closure for the normal amphorae. In his opinion, a layer of boiling pitch was applied to the amphora lids sealed with cork or terracotta. Then the opening of the small amphora was put on, which was firmly connected to the large amphora after the pitch had hardened. The cooling of the air in the amphoriscos created a suction effect. With its help, the amphora lid could be lifted without much effort.

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Amphoriskos

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