Roman - Ancient Glass

Ancient Roman / Roman-period glass is used to describe glass items produced from 100 B.C. to 400 A.D. within the boundaries of the Roman Empire, which included much of Europe, parts of North Africa, the Middle East especially Syria, and reached as far as present-day Afghanistan. With the invention of the “blowing pipe” technique, glass-making was completely modernized, in that glass could be shaped by hand. Under the reign of the first Emperor Augustus (1st century B.C.) glass-making became an important industry in the Roman Empire.

Roman Glass Bottles Found in France (pr)
Roman Glass Bottles Found in France (pr)

A pair of ancient Roman Glass Bottles, ca. 2nd - 3rd century AD. Both light-blue, each with spherical bodies, tubular necks and folded mouth.

$795.00
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Lovely Roman Glass Flask - Arles, France
Lovely Roman Glass Flask - Arles, France

From the major Roman town in Arles, France (home to a wonderfully well-preserved Roman amphitheater), ca. 2nd Century AD. Light blue-green glass bottle with folded rim,

$695.00
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Ancient Roman Glass Perfume Vessel
Ancient Roman Glass Perfume Vessel

From ancient Rome, ca 4th to 5th century AD. Green glass vessel of the type most commonly used to hold perfumes and...

$145.00
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Roman Glass Tall Vase
Roman Glass Tall Vase

Another choice Roman glass unguent bottle in light green glass, from the eastern Roman Empire, ca 2nd the 4th centuries AD. Indented about an inch above the base, then again...

$295.00
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Late Roman Squat Glass Vessel

Small, but very lovely and choice! Light green ancient glass jar dating to the Late Roman Empires - ca. 4th to 5th centuries AD. Rounded base with short thin neck, this with...

$165.00
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A Large Roman Glass Storage Jar
A Large Roman Clear Glass Storage Jar

Large and amazing example of ancient Roman Glass! Ca. 1st - 2nd century AD, barrel-shaped body with slightly-concave base, with short neck and wide folded disc rim, with...

$5,995.00
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Beautiful Roman Glass Jar
Beautiful Roman Glass Jar

Beautiful color and form! Ancient Roman Glass Jar, ca. 100 - 300 A.D. Pale translucent blue-green glass vessel with interesting small nodules evenly spaced about 1" ...

$725.00
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Ancient Roman glass was made by using sand, alkali, sodium carbonate, coloring agents (metals) and was formed with burning seaweed and lime. Iridescence on many ancient glass pieces is caused by the chemical decomposition of glass, from extended burial / humidity and acid in the soil. Glass bottles were widespread in the ancient Roman Empire and used for oil, perfume, kohl and a whole range of other cosmetics, medicines and ointments.