Roman Eye Beads Strand

Product Description: This is a strand of ancient Roman eye beads.

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Size:

• Length: 82cm
• Central Bead Size: 17mm x 17mm

Note: As this is an antique item, it may have imperfections such as scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Roman Eye Beads:

Era: From 100 BCE to 300 CE

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Technique: Core-wound application (a method where a release agent is applied to a metal rod, molten glass is wound around it, and other colored glass is attached in polka dot patterns)

The glass crafted during the ancient Roman period and the Sassanian Empire is referred to as "Roman Glass." Ancient Roman merchants, who were active in glass trade, created beads in various designs to cater to buyers' preferences.

Among these, the ones with eye-like patterns are called eye beads. These beads were believed to have protective powers and were a recreation of ancient Phoenician beads during the Roman era. The Phoenician beads date back several centuries before ancient Rome.

It's fascinating that the ancient Romans were inspired by even older beads, making the history of beads truly a part of human history.