Definition: Portolanos are a type of ancient Roman pottery that was used for serving food and drink. They were typically made from clay, and had an oval shape with a flat bottom. The base of the portolanos could be decorated with designs such as animals, flowers, or even scenes from the Roman pantheon. The term "portolanos" is derived from Latin and means "small vessels." It was used in ancient Rome to serve food and drink during special occasions like weddings, funerals