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

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Size:

• Length: 91cm
• Central Bead Size: 14mm x 14mm

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

About Roman Eye Beads:

Era: 1st century BCE to 4th century CE

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Technique: Core-wound application (a method where molten glass is wound around a metal rod coated with a release agent, and other colors of glass are applied in polka dot patterns)

Glass created during the ancient Roman era or Sassanian Persia is known as 'Roman Glass.' Ancient Roman merchants, who were active in glass trade, crafted beads in various designs to suit the preferences of their buyers. Among Roman Glass, beads with eye-like patterns are called Eye Beads. These beads were believed to have protective powers and were used as talismans, replicating the designs of ancient Phoenician beads that dated back several centuries before the Roman era. The fact that ancient Romans admired and recreated these even older beads speaks to the rich and intertwined history of human civilization.