Roman oil lamp (lucerna)
Roman oil lamp (lucerna) is an everyday item that was widely used in ancient Rome to illuminate homes, temples and other spaces. Made of clay, bronze, and sometimes marble, these lamps had a characteristic shape with a spout for the wick, which was immersed in olive oil – the main fuel for this type of lamp.
Lucerne was often decorated with a variety of patterns and motifs, including mythological scenes, plant ornaments, and inscriptions. Some lamps had handles, which made them easier to carry, and several holes for the wicks, which allowed for better lighting. In Roman houses, these were the basic light sources, used not only for illumination but also as decorative elements.
Oil lamps were an important element of everyday life in Rome. They played a role in religious rituals and ceremonies and were also a symbol of light, life and knowledge. Due to their commonness, they have been found in many archaeological sites, giving researchers valuable insight into the everyday life of ancient Romans.
They can be found in numerous museum collections around the world, including the British Museum and the Vatican Museums.
