
Panathenaic amphora
A Panathenaic amphora is a large ceramic vase from ancient Greece, traditionally awarded as a prize during the Panathenaic Games, a major athletic festival in Athens held in honor of the goddess Athena. These vases typically featured a black-figure or red-figure painting style, depicting athletic events or scenes related to Athena. They were filled with olive oil, considered a valuable commodity, and recipients often displayed them as symbols of victory. The amphorae serve as important historical artifacts, providing insights into ancient Greek culture, athletics, and artistry.