This is a history of the use of amphorae in the ancient world, beginning with the first appearance in Canaan of the distinctive double-handled pottery jar made especially for transport. The Egyptians evidently adopted the Canaanite jar and were first to use it on a large scale for wine. Clay tablets of the Mycenean period record the Greek name for these vessels, and the word appears in Homer's Odyssey. The distinctive pointed bottom amphoras appeared in the Greek world during the 7th century B.C. Amphoras recovered during excavations of the Athenian Agora number around 800, and come from all over the ancient world, thus providing evidence of ancient Athens' commercial ties. Stylistic differences, primarily in shape, between jars from different places are noteworthy, and correspond with differences between the stamps used to label the jars. The stamps also indicated the dates when they were produced and filled. The bulk of this booklet is taken up with illustrations and descriptions of Athenian amphoras, which span the period from approximately 500 B.C. to 600 A.D. Based on excavations at Athens and other ancient cities, the chronological sequence of amphoras can be reconstructed in detail. Patterns of trade in the ancient world are also being reconstructed in detail, based in large part on the distribution of finds of these ancient wine jars. Locations of all the illustrated vessels are listed at the end.