Nolan amphora

Nolan Amphora Munich Amazone 5

Ancient Greek pottery vessel

Nolan amphora

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Alternative name
Location	Nola, Italy
Region	Campania
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Type	Amphora
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The Nolan amphora is a type of ancient Greek pottery vessel that was primarily used for the storage and transport of goods such as wine, olive oil, and other commodities. It is named after the town of Nola in Campania, Italy, where many examples of this type of amphora have been found.

Description

Nolan amphorae are characterized by their slender, elongated bodies and narrow necks. They typically have two handles that extend from just below the lip to the shoulder of the vessel. The shape of the Nolan amphora is distinct from other types of amphorae such as the Panathenaic amphora and the Belly amphora.

Historical Context

The production of Nolan amphorae dates back to the 5th century BC during the Classical period of Ancient Greece. These vessels were often decorated with red-figure pottery techniques, which involved painting figures in a red slip on a black background. This style of decoration allowed for greater detail and complexity in the depiction of human figures and scenes from Greek mythology.

Archaeological Significance

Nolan amphorae have been discovered in various archaeological sites across the Mediterranean, indicating their widespread use and trade. The town of Nola itself was an important center for the production of these vessels. The discovery of Nolan amphorae in different regions provides valuable insights into the trade networks and cultural exchanges of the ancient world.

Notable Examples

Several notable examples of Nolan amphorae are housed in major museums around the world, including the British Museum and the Louvre. These artifacts are often studied for their artistic and historical significance, as well as for the information they provide about ancient Greek society and economy.

See Also

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Red-figure pottery
• Amphora
• Nola
• Classical period