Settlement (Glass Blower)

Although it occurs naturally the first man-made glass was probably produced in Egypt around 3500BC. Along with pottery, it was easily available and cheaply made by melting silica sand. The technique of blowing glass was discovered in the 1st century BC and following the Roman conquest of Egypt in 27BC it became widespread. It is estimated that over 13 billion items of glassware were produced during the seven centuries that Rome held sway over Mediterranean. It was used for everything from oil lamps to storage jars, plates and perfume bottles, but was also used for decoration and ornaments.