Panathenaic amphorae

Panathenaic amphorae are ceremonial pottery jars from ancient Greece, specifically from Athens. They were used as prize vessels awarded to winners of the Panathenaic Games, a major athletic and cultural festival honoring Athena. These amphorae are notable for their large size, distinctive shape, and detailed painted scenes depicting athletic contests and religious rituals. Typically, they were filled with olive oil, a valuable resource. The imagery and inscriptions on these amphorae provide valuable insights into Athenian society, religion, and art, making them important artifacts for understanding ancient Greek culture.