ANCIENT ROMAN CLAY OIL LAMP (circa 1st
Ancient roman clay oil lamp depicting a cherub. Possibly 1st century, in very good condition 10cm x 7cm Oil lamps were one of the most common household items of ancient times. Lamps were used as early as the Stone Age. Clay lamps like this one were used all over the Mediterranean area from B.C. through the Middle Ages. They were used to burn oil, usually a plant oil such as olive oil that was abundant. Archaeologists find fewer lamps in areas like Britain, because oil was scarce and expensive there. The lamp used a wick, made from fibers such as linen or papyrus, that was inserted into the body of the lamp. The end of the wick rested in the nozzle. The oil was poured into the lamp though the filling hole on top of its body. The wick was lit and a small flame was emitted from the tip of the wick resting in the nozzle. The lamp could be set on any flat surface but was also portable and could be carried in a person's hand. Aside from their basic functional use for indoor and outdoor illumination, lamps also served other purposes. They were buried in tombs and graves along with pottery, jewelry, and other symbolic gifts. They could also be dedicated as votive offerings to gods and goddesses in temples and sanctuaries.