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The collection of early to mid-Roman glasses from the Kom el-Dikka site in Alexandria has been expanded to include new finds from the excavation of substantial remains of Roman domestic architecture (Houses FA and FB) in Sector F in the central part of the site. The range of vessel forms in this new set is not extensive, and shapes known from previous investigations in this sector are repeated to a degree. The most noteworthy contribution is the new data on colourless glassware of the period, a category that has hitherto been represented by a rather limited number of finds from the excavations, and which constitutes key evidence of artisanal activities in the final occupation phase of the Roman houses here.

The collection of early to mid-Roman glasses from the Kom el-Dikka site in Alexandria has been augmented by new finds from the excavation of substantial remains of Roman domestic architecture (Houses FA and FB) in Sector F in the central part of the site. The range of vessel forms in this new set is not extensive, and shapes known from previous investigations in this sector are repeated to a degree. The most noteworthy contribution is the new data on colourless glassware of the period, a category that has hitherto been represented by a rather limited number of finds from the excavations, and which constitutes key evidence of artisanal activities in the final occupation phase of the Roman houses here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1496 investigated colourless glass analyses have been collected with the aim of achieving a clear geographical, typological, chronological and compositional overview on this particular type of glass. Based on manganese and antimony contents, four main groups were characterised: naturally colourless, Mn-decoloured, Sb-decoloured and Mn/Sb-decoloured. Main achievements relates to the chronological distribution of manganese and antimony technologies, the former being associated to a long lasting technology which culminated during the Late Antique period while the latter being practically absent after the 8 century AD, being at its acme during the Roman imperial period. Except for naturally colourless glass, glass-making technology mostly implied the use of impure sands and natron, relegating the other components to a virtually irrelevant presence, except during the Late Antique and Medieval periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection of 21 glass samples (18 colourless and 3 light aqua blue) found in recent excavations performed at the Palatine and Esquiline hills in Rome has been investigated by means of SEM-EDS, EMPA and LA-ICP-MS. The glass was recovered in the 'Baths of Helagabalus' and the Horti Lamiani. The collection included cups and bowls widely attested in Rome and Ostia from the late second to the first half of the third century AD. The analyses assigned this collection to the RC/LAC-MnSb groups (Roman and Late Antique colourless glass with both antimony and manganese) which seemed closely related to the Levantine area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-seven window and vessel glasses from the 'Great Temple' at Petra (Jordan), dating to the first/second and fourth centuries ce, were analysed by EPMA for major and minor elements. A subset of 29 samples from Petra and 15 samples from Khirbet et-Tannur were additionally analysed for trace elements, using LA-ICP-MS. Six compositional groups were identified on the basis of the presence of decolouring agents. The majority of the glasses derive ultimately from the Levantine coast, but most of the groups show evidence for highly selective recycling. The observed differences between the two sites could be related to different chronological ranges, functions, relative wealth and trade connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the compositional analysis of Roman colourless glass from three sites in Britain. The findings suggest that two broad compositional groups can be identified on the basis of the choice of the initial raw materials selected for glass production, in particular the sand. The largest of these groups is inherently different from the naturally coloured, blue–green glasses of the same period, while the other group is compositionally similar. Further subgroups are apparent on the basis of the decolorizers used. These glass groups are explored in the light of the current theories concerning the organization of glass production in the Roman world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]