- I used to be confused about why artistic, painted pottery was so often by archaeologists to learn about ancient peoples, until I realized * (1) it's less likely to degrade than a lot of other materials * (2) it's used for *food storage and transportation* so it's hella common, it's not just "art" * (3) painted amphorae are functionally the equivalent of tractor trailer trucks with advertisements and art decorating them, or the logos painted on wine bottles.