The earliest oil lamps made from clay can be dated back to the Bronze Age, to around the sixteenth century BC and by the Roman period, oil lamps, or lychnus, from the Greek λυχνος, were commonplace throughout the Empire. They were used for domestic, public, and religious purposes, including funeral ceremonies, lighting up businesses, and creating ‘special effects’ at the theatre. The oldest Roman lamps date back to the third century BC, and it is thought that they were influenced by the Southern Italic style. These were more enclosed than their predecessors, allowing for further decoration on the discus. The vast trade networks set with the expansion of the Roman Empire allowed this item to be spread across Europe, Eastern Asia and Northern Africa, which led to the development of several provincial variations.
The twelve spies -one from each tribe- were sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan (also known as the Promised Land). His followers feared entering the land and asked for help on how to conquer. The spies searched for forty days and upon return, they brought back massive fruit that grew in Canaan including grapes, a fig and a pomegranate. They told tales of how wonderful the land was however large people/giants lived there which worried the followers dearly. It was said that the place was too fortified and they would not be able to capture the land. Ten out of the twelve spies continued to speak negatively, questioning God’s abilities. This only angered God in which he punished the followers and spies. The people had to stay out in the desert for another forty years before going to Canaan – each year representing the forty days the spies were on the land. Also the ten spies who spoken negatively all fell ill and died. God still lead the people but they could not settle until the forty years was up due to doubted him.
