dolium
Sign in to saveA dolium (plural: dolia) is a large earthenware vase or vessel used in ancient Roman times for the fermentation of alcoholic beverages, as well as storage or transportation of goods. They are similar to kvevri, large Georgian vessels used to ferment wine. thumb|upright=1.5|Dolia at Ostia Antica
Article
10 sectionsContents
- Description
- History
- Use and purpose
- Dolia in maritime commerce
- Positions of dolia in ships
- Construction of dolia ships
- Recent discovery
- Conclusions
- Bibliography
- References
A dolium (plural: dolia) is a large earthenware vase or vessel used in ancient Roman times for the fermentation of alcoholic beverages, as well as storage or transportation of goods. They are similar to kvevri, large Georgian vessels used to ferment wine. thumb|upright=1.5|Dolia at Ostia Antica
==Description== The dolium was a large jug or container made of fired clay. Oval in shape, with a wide mouth and rim, it was much larger than the amphora, a similar pottery container. The dolium had no neck or handles and, in many cases, could measure up to six feet in height. Some dolia have a rounded body tapering into a flat bottom, while more frequently, dolia maintained a rounded bottom. They were lined with pitch or wax in order to contain or process liquids and solid foods. Some sources mention dolia holding up to 50 quadrantals, equivalent to . There was no standard size for dolia.