Amphora (Gr. from on both sides, and to carry), a large two-handled vase, commonly made of earthenware, of various forms, but generally tall and narrow, with a contracted neck, and ending nearly in a point. It was used by the ancients to hold wine, oil, the ashes of the dead, etc.; and some have been found in excavating that had been used as coffins by dividing them in half lengthwise, putting in the body, and joining the parts. - The amphora was also a liquid measure among the Greeks and Romans, equivalent to about nine gallons with the former and six with the latter.

Greek and Roman Amphorae. From Specimens in the British Museum.