Ancient Near Eastern Oil Lamps

An in-depth, archaeological essay-catalogue comparing the evolution and development of Near Eastern terra-cotta oil lamps, mostly from Ancient Israel to the archaeology, the chronology and the traditional Biblical narrative. The practical and ritualistic use of oil lamps are also detailed along with the intriguing properties of light and its symbolism, as studied through each of the Archaeological / Chronological time periods. The 'typology' of each lamp is explained, photographed and referenced to its particular era with a latter scientific focus on the Early Bronze Age IV (EBIV)(MBI) Period (2300 - 2000 B.C.E.). There is also a general pottery explanation and specific archaeological related data for each era.