Object Description
A Roman terracotta oil lamp with a decorated concave discus and heart-shaped nozzle. The central scene depicts a charioteer riding a chariot, drawn by two horses, known as a ‘biga’. The horses, facing right, gallop ahead, whilst the charioteer’s right arm is drawn back, whipping the horses on. The design is enclosed by a concentric circle and has a looped handle complete with a circular groove. The lamp has a rounded heart-shaped nozzle and two filling holes can be found on either side of the galloping horses.
This lamp can be categorised as Loeschcke VIII, Bussière form D X 5 form, defined by the vine leaf and grape pattern to the shoulders.
Date: Circa 2nd century AD