Lamp from Mumrills, Stirlingshire

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This terracotta lamp was found at the site of the Roman fort at Mumrills in Stirlingshire. It was used between 140 and 165 AD to provide light in buildings within the fort.

The bowl of the lamp was filled from the hole at the top with oil, and a wick was inserted through the nozzle. The lamp is damaged on the bottom.

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

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-136-612-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRB 361
• Date: Between 140 and 165 AD
  
• Material: Clay, red
  Lamp
  
• Dimensions: 3.20" L
  
• What: Lamp
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
  
• Event:
• Description: Lamp of red clay from Mumrills
  
• References:
• Translations:
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