Lychnological miscellanea from Polish excavations in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

A review article collecting obscure publications and mentions of finds of lamps (made of clay and glass, some of stone and metal as well) and lighting accessories, like wicks, wick holders and lamp stands and holders (polycandela) scattered in reports and papers of the archaeological excavations carried out or under the auspices of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, published in the past 60 years since the Centre’s founding in 1959. The article draws upon finds presented conjointly with reports from excavations, often including significant contextual information about the discoveries, which are still to see their final publication. This data is summarized in relevant cases, the author contributing, wherever possible, new insight and interpretations, citing new parallels and introducing occasional corrigenda.