Amphora, among the Greeks and Romans, a large vessel, usually made of clay, with a narrow neck and two handles, and often ending in a sharp point below, for being inserted in a stand or in the ground. It was chiefly used for preserving various liquids, especially wine, and was frequently decorated with paintings. There is also evidence that amphoræ were employed as cinerary urns and as coffins. The Greek amphora contained about nine English gallons; the Roman, about six.
