History

Did ancient Romans invent unbreakable glass? If they did, their secrets would be long lost because the Roman Emperor Tiberius beheaded the inventor of flexible glass. Whether the story is just a myth or there is some truth behind it, it is impossible to say. The Pax Romana (‘Roman Peace’) was a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for over 200 years, beginning with the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 CE), the first emperor of Rome to the rule of Marcus Aurelius (161 -180 CE).

During this period, there were constant improvements in glassmaking techniques. It was also a time when glassblowing was invented. It was quicker and required fewer resources per vessel than earlier methods. Ancient Romans started to produce colorless glass, window panes, and glass mosaics. Historians say Roman glassmaking was so advanced that some achievements could only be replicated in the 18th century.