Historical story

Olive Oil Lamps in Ancient Rome:how they worked

Roman oil lamps

olive oil it had extraordinary importance in ancient times and Rome was no exception.

In fact, the Romans used this precious natural product as a food, especially to season various dishes (but not only), for body care, in particular as an ointment capable of deeply moisturizing and nourishing the skin, and even for the lighting.

In practice, the oil lamps , which were empty, were filled with low quality olive oil, which impregnated a wick made of vegetable fibers, usually spun linen or papyrus, and caused them to remain lit for several hours at a time.

An ingenious system, which made the best use of the resources then available.