Glass and Glass technology: Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Archaeological Research

Glass is not as ubiquitous as other archaeological materials, such as ceramic, but when present it provides important clues about the community that left it behind as it participated in many different aspects of its life. Indeed, this material was used to manufacture prestige objects, architectural elements, personal ornaments or utilitarian items. The study of ancient glass participates in the general understanding of ancient societies, their structure, interaction and evolution. Inferences are made by studying the composition of glass assemblages, the typology of objects, the recipes and manufacturing techniques. This session aims at presenting exemplary case studies that involve many of the interdisciplinary approaches recently developed to study ancient glasses, glass technologies and the people that used them. These approaches combine and integrate archaeology with anthropology, art history, chemistry, materials science and other fields. The goal is to stimulate discussion about the unique contribution of ancient glass studies to the understanding of our past, and demonstrate how glass studies have matured in recent years to provide conclusions with broad interpretation.