Large ancient jar, dolium, terracotta amphora - 17th CENTURY

Exceptional large ancient jar, dolium, terracotta amphora. This type of container was used for winemaking; it was the wine vessel in which the wine fermented and also where it was stored and subsequently transported. The dolium was an enormous terracotta container of spherical or slightly ovoid shape, perhaps one of the largest clay objects used in ancient Rome for the conservation of wine and other food products. They could be over 1.50 m high and contain from 1000 to 2000 litres. According to the thesis of many archaeologists, dolias were mainly used on land for the processing and conservation of wine and other products. They were often made by specialised furnace builders who travelled from region to region and relied on workshops for the production of architectural bricks. Dolias were used in food production areas such as farms or in points of sale and administration such as taverns. It is equally certain that dolias, due to their particular acoustic qualities, were often present in theatres to produce special sound effects. There is documented evidence that the dolium was, in certain periods, used as a container for transport by sea. They were fixed in the central part of the boat, while the space left free at the stern and bow was occupied by amphorae. This transport system, although having great potential in itself, was not very successful, as the amphorae were much more practical and safe. Height 135 cm. (including tripod) - diameter cm. 105. Period: 17th century. No shipping is done. The buyer will have to arrange for personal collection.