Light in Antiquity: Etruria and Greece in Comparison

This study discusses lighting devices in Etruria and the comparison with similar tools in Greece, focusing on social and cultural differences. Greeks did not use candlestick-holders; objects that have been improperly identified as candelabra should more properly be classified as lamp/utensil stands. The Etruscans, on the other hand, preferred to use torchlight for illumination, and as a result, the candelabrum--an upright stand specifically designed to support candles -- was developed in order to avoid burns to the hands, prevent fires or problems with smoke, and collect ash or melting substances. Otherwise they also used utensil stands similar to the Greek lamp holders, which were placed near the kylikeion at banquets. Kottaboi in Etruria were important utensils used in the context of banquets and symposia, while in Greece, they were interchangeable with lamp/utensil stands.