Glass as a chronological indicator. Macroscopic and compositional features of Hellenistic, Roman and modern glass fragments from Idalion (Cyprus)

Abstract

We present compositional data on glass vessel fragments excavated at the East Terrace of ancient Idalion, a part of the site thought to be predominantly of Hellenistic and early Roman date. Among the samples are several of clearly modern date, while the majority of the ancient glass matches the manganese-rich glass known from other late Hellenistic to Roman glass assemblages. We document a systematic difference in wall thickness between Hellenistic, early Roman and modern glass, reflecting changes in glass forming technology.