The Sestius Amphoras: a Reappraisal

Abstract

The Sestius amphoras, because of their number and variety and the questions they suggest about Roman trade, are increasingly a matter for discussion. The following article first summarizes the work done on the subject since 1952 and then reviews the evidence, both published and unpublished, concerning the provenience of the Sestius amphoras, the persons responsible for their manufacture and distribution, and their importance as sources of information about Roman economic history.