Broken discus lamps from Roman Dacia

Abstract

The present study analyses 46 mould-made Roman lamps, focusing on the deliberate partial or total removal of their discs, in order to facilitate the insertion of solid fuel (tallow) rather than olive oil. The latter had the disadvantages of being more expensive, more difficult to produce and distribute within the Empire, without being more calorically efficient than the solid alternative. Based on the information revealed by the contexts of discovery, respectively by the typological framing of the artifacts, an attempt has been made to establish a chronological frame during which these lamps were used. Following the analysis of the archaeological material concerned, a typology capturing four ways of cutting the disc of a lamp was created. The present study contributes to the valorisation of the lamps in a different manner, the local specialised literature often limiting itself to their property of providing alternative dating or modest forays into the minor arts.