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Description
Description
This Roman glass medicine bottle, dating back to the 1st century AD during the time of Jesus, is a remarkable artifact of the ancient world. Crafted using the groundbreaking glassblowing techniques of the Roman Empire, this piece features a pear-shaped body with a narrow neck and an elegant applied handle, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient glassmakers. Its translucent green hue is complemented by a stunning patina that has developed over the centuries, giving it a unique, iridescent character. Bottles like this were used to store medicinal oils, perfumes, or other precious liquids, reflecting both the practical and aesthetic priorities of the Roman period.
Biblical Significance
This glass bottle offers a tangible link to the time of Jesus, a period when medicine and anointing oils played a central role in daily life and religious practices. In the New Testament, healing is a recurring theme, with references to anointing oils and medicinal preparations used by Jesus and his disciples. The bottle’s small size suggests it could have been used for valuable substances like nard, myrrh, or frankincense—materials associated with biblical stories, including the gifts of the Magi (Matthew 2:11) and the anointing of Jesus (Mark 14:3). Such artifacts serve as powerful reminders of the cultural and spiritual environment of the ancient Holy Land.
Weight: 128.8 grams
Dimensions: 8.5 X 6 cm
Period and Time
Period and Time
Era: Early Roman Empire, 1st Century AD
Historical Context
This bottle belongs to a period of rapid advancements in glassmaking techniques, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. The innovation of glassblowing revolutionized the production of glassware, making it more accessible to the population while retaining its luxury status. The time of Jesus was marked by significant cultural and technological developments, and objects like this would have been used in daily life for medicinal and religious purposes.
The Roman Empire’s sophisticated trade networks allowed glass artifacts to spread throughout the Mediterranean, making items like this bottle common in the homes of both elites and merchants.
Material
Material
The bottle is made of blown glass, a revolutionary technique introduced in the 1st century BC. This method allowed artisans to create lightweight and intricate shapes, like the elegant handle and tapered spout seen here. The natural green hue comes from iron impurities in the sand used to make the glass. Over time, exposure to the elements has resulted in a gorgeous patina, adding an iridescent shimmer that enhances its historical charm.
