DESCRIPTION: A Roman pottery "Amrit" type transport amphora. The vessel has a rounded convex rim, long cylindrical neck, long handles joining the vessel just below the rim and at the shoulder that are flat in section with a shallow groove down the center, a rounded shoulder and a carrot shaped body and solid toe. The vessel's surface is distinguished by deep cut band grooving along its entire length, beginning at the shoulder and continuing, with wider space between the scoring, to the toe. The fabric where visible is a pink to brown buff with many small inclusions. The outer surface is almost entirely covered with a thick layer of marine encrustation, including lime and sand accretions, marine shells, and coral and worm impressions. This layer is exceedingly thick on one side. The visible part of the interior is similarly covered, with many shells adhering. The lower one quarter of the vessel has been neatly reattached; otherwise, the piece is intact. This is a relatively small example of the "Amrit" or "Tartus" type, which imitated the Campanian Dressel 2-4 type. Originating on the Syrian coast, near what is now the Lebanese border, this was the locally made type of that region. Examples occur in early 2nd to late 4th Century contexts at Beirut, Tartus (ancient Antaradus) and Amrit (ancient Marathus). An exceptional piece, excellent for display.

PROVENANCE: Property from an English deceased estate.

PUBLISHED: Bonhams, London, ANTIQUITIES, 28 October, 2009, Lot #349, described on page 195.

COMPARISONS: See the University of Southampton "Roman Amphorae" digital research tool at: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/archive/amphora_ahrb_2005