Glass, a material developed in the eastern Mediterranean region, largely came to Rome with its makers, Syrian and Judean craftsmen, many of who were slaves. Between the mid-first century B.C. and the early seventh century A.D., Roman glassmaking was influenced not only by the changing values and tastes of the Roman world, but also by historical events. Many new techniques of glassmaking were introduced along the way. Each glass vessel, in its shape and decoration, is therefore a record of the times in which it was made.
Long ago, during the height of the Roman Empire, this large light green glass bottle would have a substance even more precious than the container itself. With its long, cylindrical neck and large, oval body that recalls an apple both in shape and color, this vessel might have held any array of luxury items, such as perfume or fragrant unguents. Precious herbs and spices imported from distant lands and worth their weight in gold may have once been stored within. Although its prized contents have long since disappeared, this stunning vessel remarkably remains intact, a testament to the grace and beauty of Ancient Roman glass vessels.