The iconography of light. A possible interpretation of the decoration of a three nozzle lamp from Viminacium

Branka Vranesevic

doi:10.2298/zog1438023v

Abstract

This paper focuses on offering a possible iconographic interpretation of the decoration of a rare three nozzle lamp discovered in the ancient city of Viminacium, on the locality of a necropolis called Pecine, dated to the early fourth century. Among the numerous lamps unearthed at the site of this prominent Roman city, capital of Moesia Superior, this example stands out for its rectangular shape, three nozzles and a decoration of high artistic merit consisting of geometric and floral ornaments. Considering the function and meaning of lamps within the framework of Early Christian teachings, liturgy and burial practices, this imagery can be understood as visualization of concepts related to perceptions of eternity and otherworldly, divine light.

Highlights

This paper focuses on offering a possible iconographic inter- historical sources we are unable to accurately determine pretation of the decoration of a rare three nozzle lamp discovered in the ancient city of Viminacium, on the locality of a necropolis called Pećine, dated to the early fourth century
Among the numerous lamps unearthed at the site of this prominent Roman city, capital of Moesia Superior, this example stands out for its rectangular shape, three nozzles and a decoration of high artistic merit consisting of geometric and the level of existence and expansion of Christianity and Christian churches on this site, but having in mind the importance this city had in Late Antiquity, as well as the fact that it was one of the most prominent bishopric centers, we can assume the existence of a large number of sacral edifices and necropoles.[3] floral ornaments
The importance of Pećine necropolis, which was used for burials of mostly Christian citizens of Viminacium in the period from the second half of the third to the middle of the fifth century, lies, among other things, Keywords: lamp, necropolis, light, geometric and floral motifs in the discovery of vast numbers of lamps

Summary

Introduction

This paper focuses on offering a possible iconographic inter- historical sources we are unable to accurately determine pretation of the decoration of a rare three nozzle lamp discovered in the ancient city of Viminacium, on the locality of a necropolis called Pećine, dated to the early fourth century. The collections of the National Museum in Požarevac (Serbia) include numerous examples of lamps discovered on necropoles of the ancient city of Viminacium, the capital of Moesia Superior in late Roman times.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion