Oil Lamp, mould made, Roman, Mars motif, from the workshop of Crocei
Production date
1st Century CE
Country
Italy
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Object detail
Description
Large mould made lamp with three concentric grooves on rounded shoulders. Fully armed, helmeted gladiator on the discus holds a spear in his right hand. The lamp has two airholes, one on each side of the figure and a large wick hole in the rounded nozzle. CRO-CEI is on the base, inscribed before firing in a kiln, as a makers mark. Crocei in Latin should mean 'of Croceus' or 'of the Yellow/Saffron-coloured' (place or person).
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman lamp
Maker
Production date
1st Century CE
Measurements
H45mm x W91mm x D124mm
Media/Materials description
Clay (pottery)
Slip
Slip
Signature/Marks
Base has a makers mark which appears to read -CRO CEI.
mold made
mold made
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.
The writing on the base of this lamp reads CRO-CEI, in Latin, inscribed before firing in a kiln, suggesting this is a maker’s mark. Crocei in Latin could mean ‘of Croceus – the yellow or saffron coloured’. This may refer to a place with fields of yellow flowers.
The male figure depicted on the discus is similar to others in the British Museum, which have been identified as Mars, the god of war. Mars was a very important god to the Romans, with military campaigns resumed in the month of march, named in honour of the god.
The writing on the base of this lamp reads CRO-CEI, in Latin, inscribed before firing in a kiln, suggesting this is a maker’s mark. Crocei in Latin could mean ‘of Croceus – the yellow or saffron coloured’. This may refer to a place with fields of yellow flowers.
The male figure depicted on the discus is similar to others in the British Museum, which have been identified as Mars, the god of war. Mars was a very important god to the Romans, with military campaigns resumed in the month of march, named in honour of the god.
Registration number
E40229
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