Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp Gladiator

Handcrafted Roman Oil Lamp – Functional Replica

Details

This elegant and functional Roman oil lamp is based on examples excavated from across the Roman Empire, including sites throughout Roman Britain. Lamps of this type would have brought a warm and steady glow to homes, temples, military forts, milecastles, and turrets—casting light through long winter nights on the very edges of empire.

The design follows traditional Roman forms, with a single spout for the flame and a central filling hole. These small yet efficient vessels would have burned olive oil, providing a reliable and easily managed source of light. Our replica lamp is fully functional, designed to burn olive oil just like the originals. It is supplied with one cotton wick, so you can use your lamp as soon as you have read the safety and operating instructions.

One wick will provide hours of soft, flickering light when used correctly. Should you wish to purchase additional wicks, you can find them here: Lamp Wicks

Materials
Available in:

• White earthenware with a white slip finish

• Terracotta earthenware with a red slip finish

Dimensions
Approx. 120 mm long

Variation
This lamp is available in both white clay and red terracotta finishes. Please choose your preferred version when ordering.

Production

As with all our Museum Quality Replicas, this lamp has been made entirely by hand in Northumberland, using natural clay and tools based on those used by Roman potters nearly two thousand years ago. The lamp has been fired using historical techniques, resulting in subtle variations in colour and surface texture—making each one a unique piece of living history.

Health & Safety

Before using your lamp, please read the following safety guidance carefully.

• Use only olive oil – Do not use modern lamp oil or any other flammable liquids.

• Always place the lamp on a stable, non-absorbent and non-flammable surface.

• Do not move the lamp while lit or while the wick is still hot.

• Trim the wick short to maintain a clean, steady flame and reduce the risk of smoke or fire.

• Never blow out the flame – instead, snuff it out gently using a metal spoon.

• Do not extinguish with water.

• Ensure no flammable materials are placed above or near the lamp.

• Do not leave the lamp unattended while it is lit.

• This lamp is not a toy – keep out of reach of children.

• Use is at your own risk – Potted History cannot accept responsibility for accidents or injuries arising from the use of this lamp.

Operating Instructions

1. Insert the cotton wick through the wick aperture, leaving no more than 1–2 mm protruding.

2. Fill the lamp with olive oil via the central filling hole.

3. Allow the wick to soak for at least one hour before first lighting.

4. Light the wick. If the flame produces smoke, reduce the wick height. To do this, extinguish the flame and, using tweezers through the filler hole, gently rewind the wick to shorten it.

5. Never adjust the wick while the lamp is lit or hot.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition

A perfect blend of ancient design and modern craftsmanship, this functional Roman oil lamp brings a warm piece of the ancient world into your home or collection.