A young woman with a lamp and a key is entering a cell in which a manacled man is tied to a pillory; illustration for a fable. Lanterns were used by the ancients in augury. The simplest technology used is the candle lantern. Candles give only a faint light, and must be protected from wind to prevent flickering or complete extinguishment. A typical candle lantern is a metal box or cylinder with glass or mica side panels and an opening or ventilated cover on the top.