Ancient oil lamp

Description:	For thousands of years, artificial light has been used in homes, temples, and other places of importance. Ancient Roman lamps were typically made of terra cotta and filled with olive oil and salt, or whatever oil was plentiful. Salt was added to dry the oil and give the light more of a yellowish color, as well as to keep the oil from overheating. The wick, often made from flax, was immersed in the oil and supported in the spout of the lamp. Many lamps had handles in order to carry them from room to room.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/781
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Subjects:	Lamps Rome (Italy) Rome (Italy) -- History Rome -- History -- Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D. Implements and Utensils, etc.

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