Understanding ancient glass

The chemical composition of glass provides important evidence for the raw materials, production traditions and technological practices involved in its manufacture. When combined with archaeological and geographical information, compositional analysis can also help researchers investigate the movement of glass, patterns of consumption and connections between ancient communities.

From the Aegean to the wider Mediterranean

The initial focus is on post-Roman and early Byzantine glass from Greece, including material from mainland sites and the Aegean islands. The research will explore how glass was produced, circulated, worked and consumed, and how Greek communities participated in wider networks of exchange.

The resource is intended to expand over time, incorporating evidence from additional geographical regions and chronological periods.

An evolving research resource

Aegean Glass aims to support archaeological and archaeometric research through the systematic documentation of analytical results, compositional groups, archaeological sites and relevant publications. Future developments may include searchable datasets, geographical visualisations and computational approaches to comparing glass assemblages.

The project seeks to promote transparent research practices, facilitate comparative analysis and encourage collaboration among scholars working on ancient glass.