The Przemyśl museum collection includes a collection of approximately 600 amphorae fragments from the area around Castle Hill. The exhibition presents a small selection of this type of ceramics: handles – vices – and upper parts (i.e., spouts) of vessels. The influx of amphorae into the Przemyśl region occurred in the early Middle Ages (between the 11th and 13th centuries). Amphorae, also known as korczags, meaning bulbous pots in Ruthenian, were vessels designed for storing or transporting bulk substances (grains) or liquids (olive oil, white and red wine). Salted fish, fish sauce, honey, incense, terebinth resin, and liquid tar were sometimes transported in them. Amphorae did not serve a commercial purpose, but were rather standardized containers manufactured for the long-distance transport of bulk goods. They typically had a spindle-like, elongated shape with a narrowed neck and a slightly flared spout. They also had a flat foot or an elongated, pointed base. Sometimes they had a more spherical shape. Two symmetrical handles—vices—were placed at the top. Amphorae were sometimes decorated with paintings featuring geometric or figurative motifs. Other ornamentation was also applied, in the form of a series of parallel or wavy grooves. This is how many fragments of amphorae found on Castle Hill were decorated. Individual makers marked their products with seals and marks (stamps) placed on the vise or neck, which allowed for their identification. Sometimes inscriptions (graffiti) describing their contents can be seen on amphorae. Manufacturers gave their products slightly different shapes and used raw materials with different compositions, allowing us to determine their purpose and the pottery center where they were produced. The amphora’s opening was closed with a special plug, preventing the contents from escaping. The pointed end was used to drive it into the ground or place it on a special grid, facilitating the efficient transport of goods (e.g., on ships). Amphorae were produced from the 10th century BC until the end of the Middle Ages. From the mid-13th century, the vessels were gradually replaced by wooden barrels. In the early Middle Ages, the area of Przemyśl and the surrounding area belonged to the Principality of Galicia-Volhynia, which maintained close ties with Kievan Rus’ and Byzantium. The remains of amphorae are among the material testimonies to the political and cultural cooperation between these states.
