From the end of the 3rd century BC through to the Hellenistic period, Nea Paphos was the most important political, economic and administrative centre of Cyprus under the rule of the Ptolemies. Transport amphorae, both of Cypriot origin and imported, used mainly for the transportation of food products and discovered in great numbers in the region, are a testimony to the key economic role of the city.

The project aims to identify and characterise these amphorae, in particular the ones manufactured locally, based on the characteristics of the fabric, shape and dating. In addition, the contents of selected examples will be examined. The next step will be to discuss the economy of Nea Paphos using the model proposed by M. Lawall (2005). This includes defining its role in sea trade (importer, producer, exporter, transshipment port), the directions of this exchange, and the participation of the city in the financing and organisation of local amphora production.

Proposed hypotheses: a) the repertoire of amphorae in the area of Nea Paphos is much richer than indicated by previous studies conducted exclusively on stamped fragments (approx.10% of the collection), and reflects broader trade relations of the city, b) the ratio of amphorae of each production centre is slightly different than it was previously believed, and the role of Rhodian products is smaller in given periods, c) some amphorae discovered in the area of Nea Paphos were produced in the city (J. Hayes’s hypothesis about the local origin of amphorae imitating Koan and Knidian types to be verified, and other types to be distinguished), d) other than the most frequently mentioned wine and olive oil, amphorae probably also contained other products, e) the economy of Nea Paphos is of a more dynamic and complex nature, especially in terms of amphora production and import of goods than it was previously stated.