A metaphor for joy and prosperity, for hope, for life itself, lamps have illuminated the path of civilization for centuries. They have shed light on mundane and extraordinary events alike, guiding great thoughts through the night, and standing vigil with lonely passions. In the presence of this simple object, we are in touch directly with a vanished world, with the rooms and shrines once warmed by its glow, with the people who drew comfort from its light. Today it remains as an enduring symbol of man's desire to conquer the darkness. This particular Roman oil lamp features a fern-like motif that encircles the discus and filling hole. The handle is only but a small projection. It would have likely been used simply as a stabilizer for one's thumb while holding the lamp from below.