Concave medallion lamp without handle with a large crown of two concentric circles around the medallion. The medallion depicts two gladiateurs facing each other. The ground is represented by a small line in relief under their feet, between which the filling hole is pierced. The base is almost circular and flat. The round beak is decorated with scrolls, between which is a small vent hole at the edge of the crown.
These gladiators can be identified as a thracian and a mirmillon. The thracian (thrax) on the left is armed with a small shield (parma) and the characteristic sica sica, a short sword with a curved blade. His legs are protected by two leggings (ocrea), rendered here in a very stylised way. On his head he wears a large helmet (galea) topped with a plume (crista). On the right, the mirmillon is facing him, holding his sword in his left hand (gladius) and protecting himself with a long shield (scutum). He is also wearing a large helmet with a plume.
It was probably imported from Gaul.
Learn more:
Chrzanovski L., Lumières antiques : Les lampes à huile du musée romain de Nyon, Editions ET, Milan, 2000, n° 12, p. 71-73.
Leibundgut A., Die römischen Lampen in der Schweiz, Francke Verlag, Berne, 1977, p. 165, motif 188; n° 438, p. 248, pl. 39.
Collectif, Anzeiger für schweizerische Altertumskunde, Schweizerisches Landesmuseums, Zürich, 1902, p. 240.
Viollier D., Carte archéologique du canton de Vaud des origines à l’époque de Charlemagne, F. Rouge, Lausanne, 1927, p. 249.
Wellauer T., “Vaud, quelques trouvailles à Nyon”, Anzeiger für schweizerische Altertumskunde, Schweizerisches Landesmuseums, Zürich, vol. 4, 1902-1903, p. 240.
