Terracotta hydria (water jar) 510 BC

This terracotta hydria, or water jar, was made in Attica, Greece, around 510 BC, and is attributed to the Class of Hamburg 1917.477. The scene depicted in black-figure technique offers a glimpse into the social lives of women in ancient Greece. We see women gathered around a fountain house, a public space for collecting water. The act of fetching water was a daily task, and also an opportunity for social interaction. This hydria, therefore, not only served a practical purpose but also reflected the cultural norms and communal life of its time. The imagery on this vase invites us to consider the role of women within the broader social fabric of ancient Greece. By studying the imagery on vases like this, alongside archaeological findings and ancient texts, we can begin to understand the social dynamics and institutional frameworks that shaped daily life in the ancient world. The careful combination of these resources allows us to analyze this artwork in its full social context.