After the diversity of many pagan forms featured on Roman oil lamps, came Early Christianity designs on the Byzantine lamps. The shape of these clay oil lamps represented a uniformity in style and decoration. Most recognizable are their unique motifs, featuring the Menorah and the Palm branch adorning an almond-shaped lamp. The main characteristic of lamps of the Byzantine designs are their elongated nozzles. Some of these lamps were used by early Christians as a way to proclaim the message of the Gospel. Elements such as the "cross" and Greek inscriptions, were added by Christians of the early church to help deliver the 'good news' that the "the light of Christ shines for all". These clay lamps were widely used in the Holy Land from the north to the south, including Jerusalem, Tiberias, Nazareth, and Cesarea dating from the 5th-7th century.
