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

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Dimensions:

• Length: 82cm
• Size of the central bead: 16mm x 12mm

Note: As this is an antique item, there may be scratches, cracks, or chips present.

About Roman Eye Beads:

Era: Circa 100 BCE to 300 CE

Origin: Alexandria (modern-day Egypt)

Technique: Core-forming (coating a metal rod with a release agent and winding molten glass around it, then attaching other colored glass in polka dot patterns)

The glass produced during the ancient Roman and Sasanian Persian periods is known as "Roman glass." Ancient Roman merchants, who actively traded glass crafts, created beads in various designs to cater to buyers' tastes. Among these, beads with eye-like patterns are called Roman Eye Beads. These beads were believed to have protective powers and were used as amulets, inspired by ancient Phoenician beads that date back several hundred years before the ancient Roman period.

It's fascinating to think that ancient Romans admired beads from even older civilizations. The history of beads is indeed intertwined with the history of humanity.