Jars of Plenty
Ancient Greek trading vessels carried much more than wine
By Susan Gaidos
Wine flowed freely from ancient Greece during its golden age, but new work suggests nuts and various herbs were also in demand.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/15220.jpg?resize=283%2C300&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/15226.jpg?resize=300%2C165&ssl=1)
With the help of DNA analysis, scientists are getting a present-day look at centuries-old trade in the Mediterranean. Such studies may help debunk some long-held assumptions, namely that the bulk of Greek commerce revolved around wine.
During the fifth through third centuries B.C., the Mediterranean and Black seas were major thoroughfares for ships loaded with thousands of curvaceous jars known as amphorae, thought from their shape to contain a drink made from fermented grape juice.