Ancient oil lampThe earliest known lamps were adapted from ordinary, plain pottery bowls filled with oil, in which the wick was simply placed in oil and lit. Later on, the oil lamps evolved to include a pinched rim, which ensured a steady and controlled supply of oil to the wick. The pinched rim eventually developed into a pinched spout. During the Middle Canaanite Period, most oil lamps had four spouts. In later periods, however, oil lamps rarely had more than one spout.
Traditionally shaped, pinched spouted lamps were used until the late Hellenistic period. At the same time, under the influence of imported Greek-style closed lamps, locally manufactured lamps began to imitate foreign styles. This new, closed design gradually replaced the traditional one. From this period onwards, the closed, molded lamps, which bore decorations in relief, were used.
Archaeological sites in the land of Israel from the Hellenistic period onward have revealed oil lamps that were made for the use of the Jews. These lamps have been found in Jewish settlements and cemeteries, and they are decorated in a style associated with the spirit of the Jewish faith.
The Jewish Lamps may be divided into four groups:
Herodian lamps
Roman period (1st century BCE early 2nd century CE)
These lamps, which are found in abundance at most sites of the period – particularly in the area of Judea – were made during the period of Herod's reign (40-4 BCE) until the end of the Bar-Kochba rebellion (135 CE). Thus the lamp called "Herodian" lamp’ does not actually entirely overlap the period of Herod's rule. This lamp is a closed lamp, manufactured on a potter's wheel in artisans’ homes. For the most part, Herodian lamps lack ornamentation, unlike Roman lamps from the same period. The paucity of decoration is usually attributed to strict observance of the commandments by Jews at that time.
Southern lamps
Roman period (late 1st century - mid-2nd century CE)
These lamps, discovered in hiding places and refuge caves in the Judean desert and the Judean lowland, were used by the Jewish population during the interval between the Jewish revolts against Rome. The special decorations on these lamps reflect an agricultural way of life as well as a longing for Jerusalem and the Temple.
Transjordan lamps
Roman period (1st-2nd centuries CE)
This group is similar in shape to that of the southern lamps. They served the Jewish people of Jerash and its environs, who preferred lamps similar to those that were manufactured in Judea. A limited selection of decorative patterns have been found on the lamps produced in Transjordan. The motifs generally consist of plant patterns (like leaves), vine clusters, grapes, and pomegranates.
Beit-Nattif lamps
Late Roman to early Byzantine period (late 3rd century - early 4th century CE)
These constitute one of the most interesting groups lamps from the Land of Israel. They are distinguished by clear, well-defined character lines which testify to their production in a potter's workshop. They are name after the site at which they were first found; Beit Nattif of the Judean lowlands. Beit-Nattif lamps share a common design and ornamentation, and were made with great care. Their decoration is loaded with a variety of patterns, including many Jewish symbols.
Lamps Decorated with the Seven-branch Menorah
Roman-Byzantine Periods
The menorah is described as having either more than or less than seven branches because, according to the Talmud, it was forbidden to copy the seven-branched menorah of the Temple. The menorah pattern with seven branches began to appear only in the 3rd century CE. It symbolized renewal and redemption.
An example of Southern lamps
An example of Transjordan lamps
An example of Herodian lamps 
An example of Ben Nattif lamps
An example of lamps decorated with the seven branch Menorah