Uncovering the Secrets of Ancient Cypriot Trade: The Story of the Unique Horizontal-Handled Amphorae

Among the many fascinating artifacts that have emerged from excavations across Cyprus, one type of object stands out as particularly intriguing: the transport or storage amphorae with horizontal handles. These distinctive vessels, unique to Cyprus, offer a glimpse into the complex trade networks and economic systems that operated in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Archaic and Classical periods.

The evolution of these amphorae is a story that begins in the Early Iron Age, when Cypriot potters first demonstrated a preference for horizontal handles on their small, white-painted and bichrome amphorae. This design element would later influence the development of the larger transport amphorae, which first appeared around 700 BC in the royal tombs of Salamis. These early examples were impressive in size, ranging from 45 to 85 cm in height, with a large biconical body, a small flat base, and powerful horizontal handles rising high above the rim.

As time passed, the shape of these amphorae underwent significant changes. During the Classical period, they became taller and more slender, with the biconical profile giving way to a more elegant, ovoid shape. Despite these morphological shifts, the high horizontal handles remained a constant and unmistakable feature, setting these vessels apart from their counterparts in other regions of the Mediterranean.

The production of these amphorae was a complex process, requiring skilled craftsmen and specialized tools. Evidence suggests that the vessels were built up on slow turntables, with the clay being scraped and shaped to create the desired form. The presence of cord impressions around the belly of some amphorae indicates that the potters took measures to prevent the walls from collapsing during the drying process. The unique properties of Cypriot clay, rich in montmorillonite, enhanced the plasticity and strength of the vessels, allowing for the creation of these large and distinctive forms.

One of the most intriguing questions surrounding these amphorae is the nature of their contents. While some evidence points to oil as a primary cargo, with painted inscriptions and graffiti on certain vessels suggesting as much, the matter is far from settled. The depiction of amphorae with horizontal handles in banquet scenes on Cypro-Phoenician bronze bowls and terracotta figurines raises the possibility that they may have also carried wine, either for consumption or for perfuming guests with scented oils [1].

The presence of a thick pinkish "slip" on the interior of some amphora fragments has led to speculation that this may be a deposit of lime, which was added to wine to prevent fermentation. This theory, coupled with the praise bestowed upon Cypriot wine and oil by the Roman geographer Strabo, suggests that these amphorae likely carried both commodities, depending on the context and the intended destination.

The distribution of these amphorae across the Eastern Mediterranean provides valuable insights into the trade patterns and economic relationships of the time. Fragments have been found in southwestern Turkey, western Rhodes, the Levantine coast, and Egypt, indicating a wide-reaching network of exchange. The concentration of finds in areas of Israel that did not produce their own olive oil suggests that these amphorae played a crucial role in supplying this commodity to regions that lacked it.

The discovery of shipwrecks containing entire cargoes of these Cypriot amphorae off the coasts of Turkey and Syria further underscores their importance in maritime trade. Although the poor condition of these wrecks makes it difficult to determine the precise origins of the ships, the close connection between the distribution of these amphorae and Phoenician trading activities is evident in the fact that they are found primarily in Phoenician settlements on Rhodes.

As the Hellenistic period dawned, the production of amphorae with horizontal handles in Cyprus gradually came to an end, with the last known examples dating to around the 4th century BC. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the emergence of new amphora types and the increasing standardization of trade in the Mediterranean world.

The Cypriot amphorae, with their thick walls and heavy weight, were not well-suited to the demands of the rapidly expanding Hellenistic economy. The high horizontal handles made efficient stacking in ship holds difficult, and the sheer size and weight of these vessels made them cumbersome for individual handlers. In contrast, the more streamlined and standardized amphora types, such as those from Rhodes and Kos, offered greater efficiency in terms of both storage and transport.

The amphorae with horizontal handles remain a beautifully unique Cypriot shape. The study of these unique vessels continues to shed light on the complex economic and social systems that operated in the region, providing a tangible link to the lives and livelihoods of those who shaped Cyprus' rich cultural heritage.

As archaeologists and researchers continue to uncover new evidence and refine their understanding of these remarkable artifacts, the story of Cyprus' horizontal-handled amphorae will undoubtedly continue reveal of ancient Cyprus' secrets. These vessels, with their distinctive form and unknown contents, serve as a powerful reminder of the island's enduring legacy as a crossroads of culture and commerce in the ancient world.