Sealed amphora stoppers and tradesmen in Greco-Roman Egypt: archaeological, papyrological and inscriptional evidence

Abstract

This paper focuses on sealed amphora stoppers and their stamps originating from Greco-Roman Egypt; the majority of the stoppers appear to belong to the Roman period. After a discussion of the technical aspects of the sealed stoppers, the stamps are dealt with. With the help of papyri, ostraka and inscriptions, some of the individuals mentioned on these stamps may be identified. In case of local trade, the (clay) stamps rather refer to the origin of the wine, whereas in case of international trade the (plaster) stamps record the businessmen involved in trade, among them people from the highest echelons of Egyptian society.*