Oil lamps were used as illumination in the ancient world. The reservoir was filled with olive oil and a cloth wick inserted in the end hole. Once lit they would provide light for many hours. Oil lamps were among the most widely utilized pottery in the Ancient World . Their basic shapes remained unchanged for over a thousand years .Terracotta lamps were made in molds of stone, clay or plaster . The clay was rolled into a sheet and was pushed into the mold. The two halves of the mold were then pressed and joined together. Once fully dry ,the lamp was removed from the mold pierced, trimmed and fired in kilns with other lamps and terracotta household implements. These terracotta lamps were used for centuries and were the primary means of lighting. Each home would have from just a few to hundreds.