Early Roman oil lamps were characterized by a round body with a closed, decorated discus and short, flaring nozzle. During the fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries, oil lamps became pear-shaped (elongated), with no discus and a large filling hole in the center of the body. One type of oil lamp common in Judea in
16.11 Beit Nattif oil lamps decorated with menorahs. Courtesy of Zev Radovan/Bible LandPictures. com.
The third to fifth centuries, called Beit Nattif lamps (after the site where evidence of their manufacture was first discovered), are made of soft, light-colored clay covered with a dark red or brown slip. The upper surface of the lamps is decorated with delicate relief designs (made in a mold), including occasional Jewish or Christian symbols such as menorahs or crosses.
The type of lamp characteristic of Jerusalem in the Byzantine period is made of unslipped, hard-fired, light brown ware. Sometimes this type is called “slipper lamps" because of the pear (oval) shape of the body. Raised, radiating lines encircle the filling hole, and a palm branch or tree (or, less likely, a menorah) occupies the space between the filling hole and the nozzle (hence the common name, “candlestick" lamps). On some lamps, a Greek inscription surrounds the filling hole instead of radiating lines. The most common inscription reads “the light of Christ shines for all," whereas other formulas include “good oil lamps" and “of the Mother of God." These lamps apparently were purchased by pilgrims who used them in processions in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and other churches in Jerusalem. This is suggested by the fact that the phrase “the light of Christ shines for all" seems to have been part of the liturgy recited in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The lamps might have been used especially during the evening (Vespers) services and perhaps during the Ceremony of the Holy Fire, which today ushers in the Greek Orthodox Easter. After use, the lamps were kept as sacred talismans or souvenirs called “blessings" (eulogiae) in Greek because they were believed to bestow a blessing on the owner.
16.12 "Candlestick" lamp with a cross and Greek inscription. Courtesy of Zev Radovan/ BibleLandPictures. com.
World History
