Roman gladiator oil lamp
This Roman oil lamp shows a classic fight of two gladiators in attack position. Samnite against Hoplomachus! At their feet is a Tabula Ansata inscribed with their names ACVVIVS vs HERMEROSS. The Roman oil lamp is made from a find from 50 - 100. AD in reddish clay with a plastic representation of a pair of Roman gladiators in the mirror and a decorative egg-beater decoration.
- length of the oil lamp ca. 14 cm
- based on the find in the British National Museum
- found in Pozzuoli , Italy
- relief decorations
- antique look
The fighters
The fighters depicted in this lamp belong to the genus SAMNITE against HOPLOMACHUS. According to Livius, the Samnite was equipped with a bushy helmet, a rectangular shield and a short sword. His left leg was protected by a greave. The Samnite fought against any other gladiator or Samnite. In this case he fights against a HOPLOMACHUS equipped with a small curved shield , a dagger and a helmet with helmet bush. His two legs are also protected from blows by greaves. So popular were the Roman gladiatorial fights that, of course, they can not be missing in the visual arts. Often Roman oil lamps, like the various objects were decorated with reliefs or plastic representations of everyday life of the Romans. For the oil lamps made of clay were ubiquitous light givers in Roman antiquity and could be found in every household in large numbers and variety.
Fuel of the oil lamp
Olive oil served as fuel, however, they can also be made to burn with cooking or commercial vegetable oils. For protection, all oil lamps are glazed from the inside! This oil lamp is, as once its antique model also, made of two-part molds, covered with an engobe and fired at high temperature. The high firing temperature ensures that the lamps are generally tight. However, it may well happen that oil is drawn out over the" lamp nose" and runs down the lamp. To be on the safe side, a heat-resistant coaster should be placed under the oil lamp. You will also receive two replacement wicks free of charge!
Never leave a burning oil lamp unattended!
Forum Traiani ® registered trademark
