Glass Blowing Made Glass Available to the Masses
While the first use of glass is not known exactly, glass making as an ancient art has been around since the dawn of human civilization. Glass blowing, however, is thought to have developed in the era of Julius Caesar, round about the mid first century BC.
Prior to this time, glass in the ancient world was considered a very valuable commodity available only to the extremely wealthy, and in small sizes for cosmetic, not practical purposes.
With the invention of glass blowing, however, glass became generally available for inclusion in various public works, and to the general population.
Glassmakers Thrived in Ancient Rome
Like most technological advances in the Roman world, glass making did not originate from craftsmen in the Roman Empire, but many advances were made when the art form was incorporated within its borders.
Of course, the establishment of any commodity, whether luxury or necessity, flourished with the empire, as the population had the resources available to develop and use any existing technology.
During the reign of Augustus, glassmakers established themselves in the city of Rome and other parts of the Italian mainland in abundance. At this point, forming glass would still be considered primitive by later techniques, such as the use of moulds rather than free-form blowing.
In ancient times, molten glass was kept in a liquid state using a wood-burning furnace, and the process must have been exhausting. Fortunately, thousands of examples of ancient glass art survive, but many have been removed from their original finds, making the determination of their historical context difficult.
The ancients used glass much as we do in modern society; for windows, containers and artwork in many forms, and surviving samples paint a broad picture of the scope of glass used in Roman times.
Unfortunately, no ancient sources exist describing the glass making process. Though there have been many advances, especially in mass production, the simple art of the ancient craftsmen would be very similar to the artisans of today, with the notable exception of available tools.
Ancient Roman Glass Factories
There aren't many known sites where glass was blown in a factory setting, but two in particular have been a great help to archaeology. Partial remains near Cologne, and in Phiadius in Greece dating from the 5th century BC, provide important clues.
Not only does the existence of these glass factories provide insight into the production of glass but they also confirm the widespread use of glass throughout the ancient world.
Syria, and eastern Roman provinces in particular, were a major source of moulded glass bowls and speciality products such as mosaic pieces. However, the existence of mosaics and other products throughout the Mediterranean region proves that glass could, and would, be crafted in any part of the empire.
Did you know...
In ancient times, glass vessels were made by dipping a core of animal dung and clay on the end of a metal rod into the pot containing the batch. After the glass had cooled, the rod and core were removed.
