Amphorae discovered in family storage
Historical artefacts will go on display in the town
TORREVIEJA town hall has reported on the finding of six ancient amphorae in private storage.
Councillor for heritage, Antonio Quesada said the historical artefacts had been donated to the local authority.
He stated: “The pieces come from two Torrevieja families who found them in different family storages.
“The council culture department was immediately informed of the discoveries.”
By doing so they had complied with regional heritage law, which establishes that any such items of historical heritage are ‘public property’ that belong to the state, noted the councillor.
The haul includes an amphora of Punic origin which dates from between 500 and 250 BC; a Roman one dating from between 125 and 25 BC; an Iberian amphora dating from the first century AD; and three others dating from between the 16th and 19th centuries, according to preliminary investigations.
Amphorae are ancient jars or vases with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles.
Sr Quesada said the ones found in this area were mostly used to store olive oil which was then taken by boat to Rome.
He added that traders also used them to transport the garum fermented fish sauce and wine, ‘which were much appreciated by the Romans’.
Sr Quesada added that fishermen have habitually found such pieces ‘tangled in their nets’ in the bays along the coast.
The six amphorae which have just been handed in will be put on display in the sea and salt museum (Museo del Mar y La Sal). He thanked the families for complying with the regional heritage law.
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