Ancient Pottery Ancient Pottery Space limitations prevent our presenting any but the most cursory introduction on this complex and vast subject.
Pottery is dated by form, colour, and technique.
Into the first category fall the pithos, amphora, hydria, and krater. The pithos was usually very large and oval in shape, intended to be half buried and to hold liquids, grains and other provisions. The amphora was somewhat oval with a wide mouth and two vertical handles. It was used for storage or for export of wine or oil. The hydria was used for carrying water and for other domestic uses.