Oil Lamps - Levantine/Roman Era (63 BCE) Artifacts

The Roman era in the Levant began in 63 BCE when the Roman general Pompey annexed the region, transforming local kingdoms and city-states into Roman provinces like Syria and later Judaea.  Rome valued the Levant to secure trade routes, protect the grain supply from neighboring Egypt, and buffer against the Parthian Empire.

These ancient hand-formed coarse earthenware vessels from the ancient Levantine region feature a rounded, broad, shallow basin and a characteristic pinched nozzle, the hallmark form of utilitarian lighting vessels produced throughout ancient Canaan, Judea, and neighboring Eastern Mediterranean cultures.  Their surfaces bear heavy mineral accretions and root marks consistent with extended burial, testifying to their considerable age.  Originally serving both domestic and ritual lighting functions, these lamps represent one of the most enduring and widely attested ceramic traditions of the ancient Near East.  This period corresponds to the transition of the Levant into Roman sphere influence following Pompey's conquest of Judea in 63 BCE, sitting at the crossroads of Hellenistic, local Levantine, and early Roman republican styles. 

These were purchased at U.S. auction (Boca Raton, FL) and are not reproductions and come with a certficate of Authenticity.  I really enjoy items from this era, and I've kept one for myself and use to hold/display special crystals and dried herbs. While these are fairly sturdy, I would not light oil in them.  These are special artifacts from such a long time ago and are meant for display and to be appreciated.  I'm happy to share these pieces of history with you, and I hope you enjoy as much as I.

dimensions in inches and weight in ounces: 

1: 5.9x5.6x2 - 8.7oz

2: 6.5x6x1.9 - 12.9oz

All art and cultural objects comply with U.S. law under Title 19, U.S. Code, Chapter 14 (2600 et seq.) governing the import and trade of cultural property.  All items have been vetted for authenticity, provenance, and lawful export and is guaranteed to be as described.