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as the L-isomer configuration, but at death they restructure to what is known as the D-isomer configuration through a process known as racemization. This restructuring takes place relatively slowly, so that from a zero point at the time of death the D/L ratio gradually increases so that equilibrium is reached after anything from 150000 years to more than 2 million years. The main problem with the technique is that the rate of racemization varies according to temperature and groundwater conditions so that regional differences according to latitude can be seen as well as, over long periods, uneven rates of change through time. This means that turning the D/L ratios into absolute ages is difficult, although as data about a particular area is built up fairly reasonable sequences can be developed.
     
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    Ammianus Marcellinus [Na].
    One of the last great Roman historians. Originally from Antioch, born c. ad 330, he served in the army and settled in Rome c. ad 378. His History , written in Latin for a Roman audience, spanned the years ad 96 to 378. Only the section from ad 353 survives, providing an account of events and of society in the years before the barbarian incursions into the empire. Died c. ad 395.
     
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    Amon [Di].
    Egyptian god. See AMEN .
     
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    Amorites [CP].
    Nomadic people of western Mesopotamia, instrumental in the collapse of the UR III kingdom around 2000 bc, who then settled amongst the Babylonians and integrated with them. The first eminent Amorite king was Gungunum , part of the Larsa Dynasty. In the early 2nd millennium bc an Amorite Dynasty emerged at Babylon under Sumuabum, initiating the Old Babylonian period from soon after 2000 bc down to1600 bc. The later Amorite capital was Mari on the middle Euphrates. The Amorites eventually amalgamated with the Canaanites, and in later times can be identified with a small kingdom and associated language group in northern Syria.
     
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    amphictiony [De].
    An association of neighbouring city-states for joint supervision of religious institutions, such as control of the Delphic oracle in Greece in the 1st millennium bc .
     
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    amphitheatre [MC].
    A Roman building of elliptical form, open to the elements, with an arena surrounded by tiers of seats. Public spectacles were held in the arena.
     
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    amphora [Ar].
    A large two-handled ceramic jar with narrow neck and pointed or rounded base. Used for the storage and transportation of liquid commodities such as wine, olive oil, and fish sauce around the ancient world. One of the most abundant forms of finds in Roman and later sites. The earliest amphorae, known as Canaanite jars, originated on the Lebanese–Syrian coast in the 15th century bc . The latest amphorae date to the 7th century ad , by which time wooden and skin containers seem to have taken over the traditional roles. The study of amphorae is facilitated by the distinctive typological form of vessels from different areas and of different dates. Petrological work also helps with the definition of sources for vessels found at the end of their journey as containers. Stamps and painted inscriptions ( tituli picti ) assist in the recognition of the original contents.
Several classificatory schemes have been proposed for amphorae, most notably by Dressel in 1899 who illustrated 45 main forms (D1–D45). Pélichet (1946) and Almagro (1955) added further forms to the list, while Schumacher (1936), Callender (1965), and Lamboglia (1955) have attempted to group the basic types into broad groups. Most recently, David Peacock and David Williams have provided a new classification based on form and origin (based on petrological work) with 66 classes. The more common classes can be summarized as follows (with Dressel numbers in brackets): 1. brindisc amphorae from Apani, Italy—olive oil; 2. Greco-Italic amphorae