The roman oil lamp, a product almost unparalleled in its distribution throughout the empire, developed towards the end of the Hellenistic period and was to keep its general shape longer than any other item of pottery throughout the Mediterranean. The vast trade networks set up with the expansion of the Roman empire allowed for this item to be spread across Europe, Eastern Asia and Northern Africa. Chariot racing was one of the most popular form of entertainment in Ancient Rome, and has a history that stretches back to the mythical founder Romulus, who used it to distract the Sabine men whilst his soldiers carried off the women.
To discover more about oil lamps in Antiquity, please visit our relevant blog post: Lighting The Way.
