The Social and Economic Complexity of Ancient Jerusalem as Seen Through Choices in Lighting Oils. (23rd June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Namdar, D.; Amrani, A.; Ben‐Ami, D.; Hagbi, M.; Szanton, N.; Tchekhanovets, Y.; Uziel, J.; Dag, A.; Rosen, B.; Gadot, Y.
• Is Part Of: Archaeometry. Volume 60:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 571
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2017-06-23
• Subjects: City of David -- Early Roman -- lipid residue analysis -- gas chromatography/mass spectrometry -- oil lamps -- olive oil; Archaeometry -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Expertising -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-813X

Abstract

Abstract : This paper presents and discusses the results of residue analysis conducted on 78 ceramic lamps found in archaeological excavations in ancient Jerusalem, in an attempt to identify the types of oils used and the reasons for their preferential choice. The oil lamps chosen for the study were taken from a variety of contexts, which represent the different periods during which Jerusalem was settled and the different sectors of the city. The results of the study show that even the most mundane activity of lighting using oil held within it social and economic choices, as mirrored in the different excavation areas.