Ancient Rome’s finest glass was made in Egypt

[Still Waters]

Researchers have long debated exactly where ancient Rome’s prized, totally transparent glass was made. Now, a new study has used chemical analysis to match the empire’s crystalline wares to the Egyptian sands from which they came, reports Katherine Kornei for the New York Times.

In 301 A.D., Emperor Diocletian issued an Edict on Maximum Prices that refers to a particularly pricey, colorless glass known as “Alexandrian.” Many archaeologists have interpreted this name as a sign of the glass’ Egyptian origins.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/romes-finest-glass-was-made-egypt-180975482/