Description
Header: Roman Oil Lamp, Mediterranean to Holy Land Region, Victory in Chariot, 2nd-3rd Century AD
Material: Clay, terracotta
Period: Mid to late Roman Imperial
Date: 2nd to 3rd century AD
Origin: Mediterranean basin to Holy Land regions
Condition: VF+
Description: A moulded terracotta discoid clay lamp depicting Victory in a chariot driven by horses; with white, sandy encrustations, spout decorated with volutes.
Size and Weight: 98mm x 70mm x 20mm, 55g
Features and Provenance: Light was integral for security, work, ceremony and travel when the sun went down. Oil and animal fats were the only suitable resources for lamps and olive oil, in particular, was plentiful. A wick was coiled into the body of the lamp (originally called a lychnus) that had been filled, the wick soaked up the oil and the wick protruded through the side hole and was lit. Roman oil lamps were made by pressing clay into a mould and then fixing the two halves together. Early production line factories were developed to make lamps such was the demand. Depictions of heroic acts, military themes, games and deities were common favourite motifs.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of pattern etc present, visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of pattern etc present, but may be worn
Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible
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