Beyond commerce: insights on Phoenician transport amphorae from funerary contexts in the central-western Mediterranean

Since the early stages of Phoenician presence in the central-western Mediterranean, numerous funerary contexts have been distinguished, often characterized by the presence of transport amphorae. By focusing on archaic Sardinia and extending the analysis to other Phoenician sites in the western Mediterranean, including Carthage, between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, a non-episodic occurrence of commercial amphorae within necropolises is evident. These were adapted for uses other than transportation. A thematic focus on the documentary framework of Sulcis area (southwestern Sardinia) highlights contexts of significant interest for defining the chronology of production/use and providing insights into local productions. Throughout the discussion, consideration will be given to the function of these transport containers within tombs or in direct connection with them, aiming to elucidate the essential features of a phenomenon documented across the central Mediterranean as well as in the westernmost regions and the Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula.