Oil Lamp, Roman, Gladiator motif
Production date
Circa 1st Century CE
Country
Italy
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Object detail
Description
Oil lamp, mould made, of brown-orange colour with clear decoration. Gladiator motif. Good condition with no discolouration. The mould made lamp has volutes at the nozzle and is finished in a deep tan color with overglaze, round body and strong detail on the discus. The base is slightly concave and has a makers mark in the shape of an elongated "H".
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman lamp
Production date
Circa 1st Century CE
Measurements
H25mm x W73mm x D105mm
Media/Materials description
Clay
Slip
Slip
Signature/Marks
H
History and use
The need to extend daylight hours has always been with us. Before the advent of electricity, allowing a space to be illuminated with the simple flick of a switch, light was achieved by the use of a candle or a lamp. Artificial lighting via candles and lamps was widespread through the ancient world. Lamps were utilised in private and public buildings, in temples and sanctuaries, in street lighting and in ceremonies.
This mould made lamp was made around hte 1st Century AD and depicts a Thraex style gladiator, fully dressed for combat in a plumed helmet, sword in the right hand, shield on the left arm, gauntlets and greaves adorns the discus of this perfectly preserved lamp. His downcast head may indicate a state of physical exhaustion. Named after the Thracian style of sword and armour used.
The word gladiator means 'warrior who fights using a gladius' - a type of roman short sword. Gladiators were often slaves captured during Roman military campaigns, and they fought using their own traditional weapons and armour.Winning gladiators would recieve money, a crown of victory or freedom.
The “H”, makers mark on the base of this gladiator lamp is the Greek initial eta, is widespread, and was also used by the workshop of M. Novius Justus. The gladiator appears to be of the Thraex type, named after the Thracian style of sword and armour they used.
This mould made lamp was made around hte 1st Century AD and depicts a Thraex style gladiator, fully dressed for combat in a plumed helmet, sword in the right hand, shield on the left arm, gauntlets and greaves adorns the discus of this perfectly preserved lamp. His downcast head may indicate a state of physical exhaustion. Named after the Thracian style of sword and armour used.
The word gladiator means 'warrior who fights using a gladius' - a type of roman short sword. Gladiators were often slaves captured during Roman military campaigns, and they fought using their own traditional weapons and armour.Winning gladiators would recieve money, a crown of victory or freedom.
The “H”, makers mark on the base of this gladiator lamp is the Greek initial eta, is widespread, and was also used by the workshop of M. Novius Justus. The gladiator appears to be of the Thraex type, named after the Thracian style of sword and armour they used.
Registration number
E40228
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