What do you need?
a packet of air drying modelling clay
a small round shape
a pencil
a wooden skewer
cotton twine
some olive oil
The ancient Romans did not like sitting in the dark at night, just like we don't. They used candles, which they made themselves from beeswax or animal fat. Candles have never been found by archaeologists, so how do we know this? Because objects with traces or remnants of wax have been found.
A better and cheaper way of making light were the lucerna, small oil lamps, which did burn up but could be used for a long time. Many of these have been found during excavations. Today we clay one ourselves, just like the Romans did. If we put in a little olive oil and a cotton cord (wick), the light can burn, just like then.
Here's is how you make an Ancient Roman Lucerna
Use air drying clay.
Break off a piece.
Knead the clay until soft.
Form into a ball.
Press your thumb in the center.
Press the edges outward
Shape a round bowl, with a spout.
Clearly pinch in the spout.
Roll a ball and press flat.
Press in a round object.
Make a hole in the center.
Make the flattened ball about the same size as the round part of the lamp and also shape a spout
Press in a pattern.
Make an opening in the spout.
Press the lid on top of the lamp.
Gently rub the seam out, using your thumb.
Gently rub out the cracks with an index finger.
If needed use a drop of water.
Do not remove all cracks, the light should look old.
Allow the lamp to dry for at least 2 days
Flip the lamp upside down to let the bottom dry completely too.
Put in the oil and the wick.