Egyptian Amphora 8-1
Egypt/Delta/Lower Egypt
650-800+ CE
Byzantine, Early Islamic
General Information
Egyptian Amphorae 8-1 correspond to Egloff's types 166 and 167, which have been interpreted as a synthesis of two Mediterranean amphora types: Late Roman Amphorae 1 and 2. However, similarities with the LRA 2 are more pronounced, although LRA 2 were never particularly common in Egypt.
This amphora type can be associated with the 'Globular Amphorae', which were produced throughout the Mediterranean, from Spain and Africa to the Levant, between the 8th and the 10th century - or even later.
The capacity of the vessels reaches approximately 9.2 litres when filled up to the neck, or 9.6 litres, when filled up to the rim. These amphorae are considered to have carried wine
This amphora type is made of two different Egyptian fabrics: calcareous and Nile (alluvial). The first is associated with the kiln site of Uyun Musa and the second presumably with the production site of Kom Abu Billu (Terenuthis).
Amphorae with conical or cylindrical fluted neck, large globular or pear-shaped body, grooved or reeded at the upper shoulder, and a rounded base. Two vertical handles attached to the neck and the upper shoulder. The rim forms are diverse: plain, rolled or rounded, slightly everted, etc.
Wadi el-Natrun (Egypt/Western desert)
