How did the ancient romans get olive oil to burn?

Question:

How did the ancient romans get olive oil to burn?

I know that they used olive oil in their oil lamps, but when i try to light olive oil it wont burn.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It's actually very simple, and you can do thie in your own home. though the low light output of a single wick will probably disappoint you.

The technology is exactly the same as a candle, except that the oil is liquid, whereas the wax/fat of a candle is solid (but must liquefy just beneath the flame before it will burn - if iy's too cold for this tohappen, a candle won't work).

You take a container with some oil in (only a little is needed to demonstrate the point). Use a bit of string, natural fibre not terylene or nylon, and let it soak in the oil. This is the wick. Support one end of the wick vertically (if you use a shallow tin for the lamp, a metal paperclip on the rim to hold the wick is ideal) and light the tip.

The wick will not burn much, but the oil will, giving heat and light. Oil creeps up the wick by osmosis and, when it reaches the flame, vapourises then burns. Easy.

The Romans used candelabra of several lamps when they wanted a good light. Even so, I don't suppose they could do much in the way of reading or fine work except right next to the hot, smelly smoky flame.

Be thankful for electricity.