Mould-made oil lamp with a voluted nozzle curved at the tip, of Loeschcke Type IA. The discus is flat with a sloping edge and decorated with the 'sica' (curved sword) and helmet of a Thracian gladiator, surrounded with a groove. Small signs of use, as the tip is burnt. The slightly raised base has an inscription in black ink from an old collection, reading 'Donné par Grand-mère', '[...] Arles M. Failly' and a collection label with '2'.
Roman Italy: Late 1st-early 2nd century AD.
Very Fine condition: Tiny chips on the edge, otherwise intact.
Lengthy: 9cms (3.5")
Provenance: Published - from the M. C. F. collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2020 from Charles Ede Ltd, London; originally in the collection of Auguste Dozon, France (1822-1890), France. Private collection: by descent from the above and recorded in a diary in 1957, nos. 13-19. Dozon was working in Greece and Cyprus at the end of the 19th century.
Literature: Compare D.M. Bailey, Catalogue of the Lamps in the British Museum, Vol.II (London, 1988), pl.8, Q847 for the form and for the subject matter and reference to those with the same tondo and shape see ibid., Vol.III, Q2395
The Thracian was one of the oldest types of gladiators. Typically, being tall and slender, he was lightly armoured and relied primarily on speed and agility over strength. The Thracian usually fought the heavily armoured Mirmillone and Hoplomachos, but often fought other Thracians as well. Their armour included the sword and helmet, shown on this lamp, but also a small shield and high leg guards.
