Roman Street Lighting

• The streets of Rome were lit at night, but unfortunately, no record survives as to what method was used.

Possible Methods

• The possibilities may have been either multiple oil lamps set up on poles or large candles inside glass containers, or flaming brands positioned by the roadside. (The latter was probably too risky in a city centre).
• All Roman villas had an oil lamp hanging outside the entrance which was lit at night, so this may also have been used in street lighting. London used oil lamps before gas lighting was introduced in the 1800’s.