1,800-Year-Old Roman Oil Lamp Unearthed in Cuijk, Netherlands, Hailed as ‘A Masterpiece’
CUIJK, Netherlands - Archaeologists excavating a Roman burial ground in Cuijk have discovered an exceptionally well-preserved oil lamp dating back 1,800 years. Teh find, described as “a masterpiece” by researchers, offers a rare glimpse into the daily life and prosperity of the Roman settlement of Ceuclum - the Roman name for Cuijk - wich flourished along the Maas river route.
The remarkably intact lamp is among a wealth of artifacts recovered from the site, where burials often contain complete objects placed as tributes to the deceased. Unlike typical archaeological digs yielding fragmented remains, the Cuijk burial ground has consistently produced whole items, thanks to a practise of promptly covering grave goods with sand. This discovery underscores the significance of the site, which lies along a key Roman trade route between Maastricht and Nijmegen, and provides valuable insights into the economic conditions of the region during Roman occupation.
The ongoing excavation,currently 15% complete,is revealing details about the lives of those interred at the site. According to archaeologist van Kampen, “Normally you often find shards, but here the finds are often almost completely whole.” The quantity and quality of the artifacts,including the oil lamp,are allowing researchers to assess the level of prosperity within the Roman community.
The burial field was a vital component of the Roman settlement of Ceuclum, strategically positioned along the Maas river. Further investigation of the remaining 85% of the burial ground promises to perhaps uncover even more meaningful and richly furnished graves, offering a deeper understanding of Roman life in the Netherlands.