History of Ancient Roman Glass

The term "Roman glass" is a very broad, general term, and refers to a specific age under Roman rule as opposed to a specific area. The Roman Empire was so vast that there were many different styles coexisting within its realm, even though a unifying "Roman" theme can be recognized throughout the pieces.

In the 1st century BC, glassblowing was invented in Syria. In the same period, the Roman Empire was founded, and through its conquests and trade it subsequently spread a unique culture.

Alexandria and Syria exported their glassware to Rome, from which the works were then brought to Roman colonies in Europe. Thus, Rome was critical in spreading the art of glassmaking to Europe.

In 1st century AD, large scale glass manufacturing occurred in Syria, Palestine, and Alexandria. One Syrian glassmaker called Ennion even left his name on his glassware. Generally, Syrian glassmakers often produced utilitarian glassware, while Alexandrian glassmakers focused on luxury objects. Many also moved to Italy and other Roman colonies, and glass houses spread quickly through Europe. Soon, Cologne would be a glassmaking center as important as Alexandria. The styles of these different locations were very similar to each other.

Like this, the Roman period started an unprecedented flourishing in the glass industry, during which even the common people began to have access to glassware. Some household glass types that were commonly used were janus flasks, which displayed the head of persons on a flask, and victory cups, with laurels and inscriptions for decoration. Mirrors and windows were also produced using glass.
Artistic glass also continued to be produced. For example, cage cups, which were bowls or cups with rounded sides, were created. These cups had pierced decorations attached by struts. This decoration was not fused to the surface; instead, the entire object was created out of a solid block of glass by under-cutting. Because the process is so complex, surviving pieces are very rare and it is difficult to reproduce even today.

After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the glass industry also suffered a dramatic decline. With arts and crafts, there is a general tendency to follow the up and downs of politics. This tendency is even more marked in more expensive types of art. Thus, while utilitarian glassware still produced, artistic glassware naturally lacked demand as political and economic circumstances were unstable and people could not afford to buy luxury.

Interested in beautiful yet practical glassware? Find out more about exquisite hand blown glass vases, bowls, paperweights.

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