Roman lighting

[Lepidina]

Wow. I didn't realize that the oil in oil lamps was olive oil. Was that the only thing used? Could they have used something like animal fat or would that have been better to make into candles or soap? What about a lamp version of Greek Fire?<br>
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And thinking about the armies having lamps, they wouldn't really need lamps at night. Most would either be asleep, near the fires or on watch where a lamp wouldn't be needed. And candles would probably have been easier to carry instead of oil and you don't have to worry about what to do with the empty containers when the oil is used up. I doubt much reading was done in the tents at night so probably only the officers would need lamps at night and would probably use them sparingly.<br>
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Is there any literary evidence in quartermaster's records or commuications between the troops to indicate if they had lamps or in what quantites?<br>
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Deb <p></p><i></i>