I.gen. plur. as a measure, usually amphorūm, v infra, II.; cf. Charis. p. 41 P.), f., = ἀμφορεύς, a vessel, usually made of clay, with two handles or ears; for liquids, esp. wine, a flagon, pitcher. flask, bottle, jar, etc.; cf. Smith, Dict. Antiq.
I. Lit.: “amphoras implere,” Cato, R. R. 113, 2: “amphora coepit Institui,” Hor. A. P. 22; so id. C. 3, 8, 11; 3, 16, 34; Petr. 34 al.— “Also for holding wine: amphora vini,” Vulg. 1 Reg. 1, 24; ib. Dan. 14, 2; “oil: amphorae oleariae,” Cato, R. R. 10, 2; “honey: aut pressa puris mella condit amphoris,” Hor. Epod. 2, 15; “water: amphoram aquae portans,” Vulg. Luc. 22, 10.—Poet. for the wine contained therein, Hor. C. 3, 28, 8.—
II. Transf.
A. A measure for liquids (also called quadrantal; cf. Fest. p. 258 Müll.), = 2 urnae, or 8 congii, etc. = 6 gals. 7 pts.: “in singulas vini amphoras,” Cic. Font. 5, 9; Plin. 9, 30, 48, § 93. Since such a measure was kept as a standard at the Capitolium, amphora Capitolina signifies an amphora of the full measure, Capitol. Max. 4.—
B. The measure of a ship (as the ton with us): naves, quarum minor nulla erat duūm milium amphorūm, Lentul. ap. Cic. Fam. 12, 15, 2; Plin. 6, 22, 24, § 82: “navem, quae plus quam CCC. amphorarum esset,” Liv. 21, 63.
