Roman Glass

Explores the evolution of Roman glassworking (1st century B.C. to 6th century A.D.) influenced by social attitudes and historical events like slavery, wars, and plagues. The narrative intertwines with the role of glassware in daily Roman life. Special appendices cover ancient glassmaking technology and opinions on glass properties. Follow the way social attitudes and historical events--among them, slavery and materialism, wars and plagues--influenced how glassworking developed in the Roman world from the mid-first century B.C. to the late sixth century A.D. Woven into this story is the place of glassware in Roman everyday life, from the lady-of-the-house's cosmetic preparations each morning to the setting of table for the evening meal. Included are two special appendices: one considers the technology of ancient glassmaking, the other summarizes ancient opinions on the properties and merits of glass.