Lamp

This terracotta lamp was found at the site of the Roman fort at Birrens in Dumfriesshire. The bowl of the lamp was filled from the hole at the top with oil, and a wick was inserted through the nozzle. It was used sometime between 79 and 180 AD.

The top of the lamp has been decorated with leaf patterns and knobs in high relief.

The Romans used oil lamps, candles and lanterns to provide lighting inside. Most surviving oil lamps are pottery, some with decoration on top. They are not common finds in Britain; perhaps the cost of importing oil was too great.

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Online ID:	000-100-036-710-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FR 198
Date:	Between 79 and 180 AD
Material:	Terracotta
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Where:	Scotland, Dumfriesshire
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Description:	Terracotta lamp from Dumfriesshire
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