Product Description: This is a strand of Roman Eye Beads from ancient Rome.

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Size:

• Length: 105cm
• Size of central bead: 14mm x 11mm
• Size of side beads: 14mm x 11mm

Please note: As this is an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Roman Eye Beads:

Era: 100 BC to 300 AD

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Technique: Core-forming and appliqué (applying a release agent on a metal rod, wrapping molten glass around it, and attaching other colors of glass in polka dot patterns)

Roman glass, crafted during the ancient Roman and Sassanian periods, is known as "Roman Glass." Ancient Roman merchants, who were actively engaged in glass trade, created beads in various designs to cater to buyers' preferences.

Among these, beads with eye-like patterns are called Eye Beads. These beads, believed to possess protective powers, were inspired by ancient Phoenician beads, which were recreated during the Roman period. The history of Phoenician beads dates back several centuries before ancient Rome.

It's fascinating to think that even ancient Romans admired beads from a time even older than their own. The history of beads is indeed intertwined with the history of humanity.