Microcontenitori per medicamenta di epoca ellenistica e romana

The authors update research on the containers for the λύκιον (cfr. L. Taborelli, S. M. Marengo, «Il medicamento λύκιον e i suoi contenitori», ArchCl 50, 1998, pp. 213-272) and focus attention on the leaden micro-amphorae bearing the inscription ΦΟΙΒΑΡΙΟΥ. Some new specimens of containers for the λύκιον are of particular importance. The stamp on one of them, from Pompei, shows the omphaloí symbols of Apollo, on the evidence of which we can ascribe a role to the sanctuaries that hitherto could only be cautiously suggested at the level of conjecture. On the stamp of another one, from Dor (Haifa), the inscription is concluded with the symbol of the rose emblem of rhodes, thanks to which the product is instantly recognizable. All things considered, in the course of the research – from the point of view of production and commercial diversification – there have been a number of surprises.
The leaden micro-amphorae and the containers for the λύκιον both represented a part of the problems. For this reason study of the micro-amphorae takes us some steps ahead in terms of comprehension and interpretation of the containers for the λύκιον. It also offers new starting points for investigation into the production and consumption of medicamenta and aromata which is – on the whole – the object of the research. This research seems to be developing progressively thanks to considerations prompted by finds in different materials, making the common historical and archaeological context more intelligible.