Three. One to light the lamp, another to consult the law governing oil lamp lighting, and a third to smite the hand that let the lamp go out.
How many Spartans does it take to light an oil lamp?
400. One to change the oil, and 399 to defend his right to do so. To the death.
How many Romans does it take to light an oil lamp?
Friends, Romans, countrymen… I think we have better uses for oil and darkness, don’t you?
How many Delphic oracles does it take to light an oil lamp?
The mule must learn to play the lyre.
What brought this on?
Sometimes the brain is a mysterious thing.
..must refrain from referencing “burning the midnight oil”.
Haha. Did a power outage spark this? 😉
How many Arabians does it take to light an oil lamp?
2. One to rub the lamp – and a genie to light it (who I suppose is technically also Arabian).
Nice, one!
Totally using the Babylonian one in my class today; we’re covering Hammurabi’s law code.
Let me know how it goes over.
They got a big kick out of it. Lots of grins and chuckles; I think it made them feel bright, as well it should. Thanks for sharing.
How many Carthaginians does it take to light an oil lamp?
Delenda est Carthago.
How many Roman emperors does it take to light an oil lamp?
One, to order the fire started and then fiddle* while it burns.
*Play the lyre
How many Gauls does it take to light an oil lamp?
All Gaul is divided into three parts. At least two of the three parts are needed to light an oil lamp, because it takes a lot of Gaul.
But can you get to Babylon and back by the light of an oil lamp?