Roman Oil Lamp from the Eastern Mediterranean
This unusual looking item is a Roman oil lamp. They were decorated in many different ways but we can only imagine why this was made like a foot.
Oil lamps were filled with olive oil. A wick was then put into the hole at the front and lit. A small flame created the light and slowly burned the oil in the lamp. Oil lamps weren't used as much in Britain as elsewhere as olive oil was very expensive.
This lamp was found in the Eastern Mediterranean area. Oil lamps have a long history in the Mediterranean region. Ceramic lamps were used around the Mediterranean from 2000 B.C. through to the Middle Ages.
Olive oil was the usual fuel for oil lamps and this was imported in amphoras by boat. The imported oil was expensive and burning it was a luxury. Fewer lamps are found in Britain because oil was so expensive and difficult to get hold of. In the 3rd century disorder in Spain cut the supply of olive oil to Britain.
Oil lamps were one of the most common household items in the Roman empire. Lamps could be made out of stone and other materials. Lamps could be decorated with almost any scene, including gods, animals and patterns.
The lamp used a wick made from linen or papyrus. This was inserted into the body of the lamp. The end of the wick rested in the nozzle. The oil was then poured into the lamp. The wick was lit and a small flame burnt at the end it with the oil constantly refuelling it.
Lamps were also buried in tombs and graves along with other items. They could also be used as offerings to the gods.
