Final answer:
The object erroneously referred to as Pandora's "box" was, in fact, an amphora, which is a type of ancient Greek jar used for storage and transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is often called Pandora's "box" in ancient accounts was actually an amphora, which is a type of jar. An amphora is an ancient Greek jar with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth. These vessels were commonplace in Greek society for various uses, including the storage and transport of goods like wine and oil. As for the object referred to in the myth of Pandora, the term that was used in original accounts was 'pithos,' which described a large storage jar, similar to an amphora but often larger. The misconception of it being a 'box' likely arose through translation errors over time.