Interactive Ancient History

Middle Bronze Age Oil Lamp

A replica of the Middle Bronze Age Four Wick oil Lamp. These four wick lamps were developed from the original bowl design and lasted only for a short period relative to the single pich version. One theory is that  a major climatic catastrophe caused a massive decrease in the availability of olive oil, causing the societies to use fish oil to power their lamps instead. However fish oil burned less brightly than olive oil and hence the development of a four wick lamp to compensate for the lower light output per wick. These lamps have been hand made and weathered to look ancient. The lamp is a display model only.

 $15.00AUD plus P&H QUOTE MBAL OUT OF STOCK

 Iron Age Oil Lamp

A replica of an Iron Age Oil Lamp. Single pinched wick design. This general style of lamp was in use with variations in basic shape and size over a period of approximately 1500 years, and in some civilisations for much longer. This lamp is handmade.This lamp can be used with most oils.

We also have a late Iron Age Oil lamp. Same style as above except the wick rest is pinched together enclosing it. This closed style was then used right through to the Herodian period. 

$15.00AUD plus P&H QUOTE IAL

 Late Iron Age Lamp variant

A variant of the Iron Age lamp, this lamp has the "pinched" portions of the wick lamps pinched together to form a seperate wick hole with similarities to the Maccabees lamp below, but with a wider, flatter bowl.

 $15.00AUD plus P&H QUOTE IALV1

Maccabees Oil Lamp

A transitional style lamp from the period of the Maccabees in Judea. It is a development from the Iron Age "pinched" wick lamp where the edge of the lamp has been pinched so far that a separate wick hole and filler hole have been formed. Non working lamp in cast resin.  

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE ML1

Herodian Oil Lamp

A replica of the "Herodian" style of oil lamp used throughout Judea from c50BC to 50AD and beyond. This is a wheel made lamp with no decorations. This style of lamp was named after Herod who ruled Judea at the time of Christ. This lamp was common in the Jerusalem and surrounding area and would have been the lamp most commonly seen by Jesus. 

$15.00AUD plus P&H QUOTE HL1

Judean "Menorah" Lamp

Oil lamp replica with a menorah and two filler holes on its discus. c70 to 100AD.

Resin cast - non functioning lamp.

$19.95 plus P&H QUOTE JML1

Judean Seven Wick Lamp

Judean oil Lamp with holes for seven wicks for greater light output. 100 x 72 mm  Non functioning. About 70 -100AD.

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE J7WL

"Golgotha" Oil Lamp

Commonly known as a Byzantine candlestick lamp due to its markings below the wick hole. This lamp has a cluster of grapes on the shoulders of the lamp. c 300 - 500AD -90 x 60mm (3.5 x 2.5 inches) Working version.

$14.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE GL1

"Bethany" Oil Lamp

 A larger Byzantine candlestick lamp. This lamp is larger than the Golgotha lamp without any images on the shoulders apart from the inscribed raised lines around the body. c400 - 500AD. Working version made in Hebron 11x 7cm  (4.5 x 2.75 inches)

$14.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE BL1

 "Jericho" Oil Lamp

 A small but elaborately decorated lamp from the Islamic period in Israel but used by all faiths. The body is somewhat almond shaped with raised decorated lines of grapes, flowers and other images with a small handle. A trough from the wick hole to filler hole may be inscribed with branches or flowers. c 600 - 900AD.Working version made in Hebron 9 x 7cm.

$14.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE JERL1

Pompeii Lamp 1

A replica (non working) of a lamp found in Pompeii. This lamp has two wick holes and a depiction of a charioteer on its discus. The lamp has a large ornate handle with a small hole that was used for hanging the lamps when not in use so as to keep the oil away from the mice. 165mm (6.5 inches) long.

 $24.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE TPOL1

Pompeii Lamp 2

A replica (non working) of another lamp from Pompeii. This lamp has a wreath surrounding the wick hole. Colour may vary from the original. 110mm (4.5 inches).

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE POL2

A non working replica of an Egyptian "Frog" stylized oil lamp dated to 2nd century AD. The lamp is a casting of our original lamp, with an embossed image of a frog surrounding the wick hole. The symbolism of the frog related to childbirth and new life. 70 x 65mm (3 x 2.5inches)

$14.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE EFL

Hittite Stone Oil Lamp

A non working replica of a stone carved oil lamp from the Hittites. 85 x 50 x 40mm ( 3.5 x 2 x 1.5 inches)

$24.95AUD plus P&H Quote HSOL

Syrian Oil Lamp

A non working replica of an oil lamp from Syria - Human headed fish shape possibly representative of dagon. 75 x 30mm (3 x 1.25 inches)

 $19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE SOL1

Greek "Amphora" Oil Lamp

Greek oil lamp picturing three amphorae (replica: resin). 80 x 55mm(About 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches). About 400 B.C. Greeks are known for their pottery of amphorae. Non functioning.

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE GAL1

Greek "Athena" Oil Lamp

Greek Oil Lamp with portrait of Athena (replica plastic resin).110 x 65mm ( About 4 1/2 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide). About 400 B.C. Athena has olive leaves decorating her helmet. Non Functioning.

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE GATL

Greek "Medusa" Oil Lamp

Greek Oil Lamp Picturing Medusa (resin). For decoration, not for burning oil. 105 x 65mm  (About 4 inches by 2 1/2 inches). Greek legend says that if you look at Medusa's face you would turn to stone.

$19.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE GML1

How to use our lamps

We sell two types of lamps, those that can be used just as they were historically thousands of years ago and those that are only for display purposes. To use your oil lamp follow the following instructions: All our functioning lamps come with a wick. Before you fill the lamp with oil , put a small amount of water into the lamp and then tip the water out. This helps decrease oil seepeage through the body of the lamp. Many lamps in ancient times were not glazed, but were simply kiln fired. Next place a small amount of oil into the lamp being careful not to overfill. You may use most styles of cooking oils, but olive oil works best. Insert the wick into the wick rest and allow the oil to flow up the wick before lighting. Simply light the end of the wick. The wick will burn for varying lengths of time depending on the amount of oil in the lamp. All lamps should be supervised at all times by a responsible adult and care must be taken. Use common sense. In ancient times the addition of a little salt sometimes decreased "smoking" from the flame.

Do not under any circumstances attempt to light a display only lamp as they are usually made of resin or other combustible materials.