Roman Eye Beads Strand

Product Description: This is a strand of ancient Roman Eye Beads, originating from Alexandria (modern-day Egypt). The piece measures 95cm in length, with the central bead dimensions being 14mm x 14mm. As an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

Specifications:

• Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)
• Size:
  • Length: 95cm
  • Central Bead Size: 14mm x 14mm
• Note: As this is an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Roman Eye Beads:

Roman Eye Beads date back to between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. Originating from Alexandria (modern-day Egypt), these beads were made using a technique called "core-formed," where a metal rod coated with a separating agent was used to wrap molten glass. Additional colored glass was then applied in dot patterns.

Glassware from the ancient Roman and Sasanian periods is often referred to as "Roman Glass." During the ancient Roman era, merchants were active in trading glassware and created various bead designs to suit buyers' preferences. Among these, beads with eye-like patterns are known as Eye Beads. These designs were believed to possess protective qualities, a concept borrowed from ancient Phoenician beads that predate Roman times by several centuries.

The fascination of ancient Romans with even older beads highlights the rich history of bead-making, reflecting the broader timeline of human civilization.