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

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Size:

• Length: 95cm
• Central Bead Size: 13mm x 13mm

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

About Roman Eye Beads:

Era: From 100 BC to 300 AD

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Technique: Core-wound application (a method of coating a metal rod with a release agent and then winding molten glass around it, with additional glass of different colors applied in dot patterns)

Glass made during the ancient Roman period and Sasanian Persia is known as "Roman Glass." Ancient Roman merchants, who were prolific in glass crafts and trade, created various bead designs to cater to the tastes of their buyers.

Among these, beads with eye-like patterns are called "Eye Beads." These were believed to have protective powers and were used as talismans. They were recreations of ancient Phoenician beads, which predate the Roman period by several centuries.

It's fascinating that ancient Romans admired even older beads. The history of beads truly mirrors the history of humanity.