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| Hydria | |
|---|---|
 A hydria, c. 470–450 BC | |
| Material | Ceramic and bronze |
| Size | Medium-volume container varying from 25cm to 50 cm, able to be carried by one or more people. |
| Writing | Painters would sometimes inscribe their name onto the hydria. |
| Symbols | Mythological stories were often painted onto the hydria, as well as scenes of daily life, such as the collection of water. |
| Created | Geometric period, archaic period, classical period Hellenistic period |
| Discovered | 19th century |
| Culture | Ancient Greek |
The hydria (Greek: ὑδρία; pl.: hydriai) is a form of Greek pottery from between the late Geometric period (7th century BC) and the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC).[1] The etymology of the word hydria was first noted when it was stamped on a hydria itself, its direct translation meaning 'jug'.[2]
It is a type of water-carrying vessel, but it had many other purposes.[1] As time progressed the hydria developed into many forms, some of which were smaller or of a different material. These variants were decorated with detailed figures to represent Greek mythological stories, as well as scenes of daily life, providing extensive insight into Ancient Greek culture and society.