Lighting
The First Lamp- 70,000 years agoBefore we had electricity people had to use fire to have light. The first attempt at man-made lighting occurred about 70,000 years ago. The first lamp was made of a shell or hollowed-out rock, which was filled with dried grass, moss or wood, sprinkled with animal fat and lit.
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Candles - 3,000 years agoCandles were invented 3000 years ago and were the most common way to get light for thousands of years up until about 400 years ago. The ancient Romans are thought to have invented candles with wicks. They dipped papyrus (ancient paper) repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The candles were used to light their homes, to help travelers see at night, and in religious ceremonies.
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Early oil lamps were made from terracotta, bronze or stone. They were a dish shape that held oil and a place for a wick that would burn. They were easier and safer to carry than burning torches and you could use them again. Olive oil was used as a fuel as well as sesame oil, fish oil, whale oil and beeswax.
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The first mass produced electric lightbulb was made about 140 years ago. This invention was safe and easy to use. It changed the way we design buildings and meant that people could work longer. It also led to new inventions - from power plants to home appliances and electric motors.
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