Roman glass bottles, 2-3 AD.

Roman glass bottle, 2nd-3rd centuries. During the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Production was such that glass objects were no longer luxuries so that large quantities of Roman glass have survived. Much of this glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the Emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as being used as containers. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced. Colourless glass allowed the engraver, or the enameller, to display his skills.