Glassmaking In Alexandria Flashcards
At what date were the earliest glass objects made in Egypt?
1500BC
Was this before or after the foundation of Alexandria?
Before, (by about 1200 years)
What are two major components of glass?
- Sand
- Sodium Carbonate (ash of certain plants)
What was this mixture probably used before it was used to make what we call glass?
For glazing pottery (putting on a shiny, waterproof surface)
Explain briefly how the earliest glass objects were shaped?
The molten glass was put around a core made of clay and sand, which was afterwards then washed out.
What kind of object was this method more suitable for?
Small vessels, such as perfume containers.
What new method was discovered in the first century B.C?
Glass-blowing
What different kinds of coloured glass objects were there?
There are shapes made of coloured glass, a bird for example. Colour could be piped on like icing when a vessel was finished, for example a white jug with blue decoration. Coloured glass could be melted into another piece of glass giving the millefiori effect, used for some bowls
Why was the flooding of the Nile important?
It brought water and silt, and rich soil.
Why was the flooding important in other countries? E.g Rome
The corn grown was then exported to other countries.
How did the rulers keep a check on what the farmers, perhaps in distant villages, were doing?
There were lists including every farm. Officials living in the villages checked on what was happening on each farm. Certificates had to be issued if you did something different.
Did things change for the peasants when the Romans took over Egypt from the Greeks?
No
Why was the flooding of the Nile important?
It brought water and silt, and rich soil.
Why was the flooding important in other countries? E.g Rome
The corn grown was then exported to other countries.
How did the rulers keep a check on what the farmers, perhaps in distant villages, were doing?
There were lists including every farm. Officials living in the villages checked on what was happening on each farm. Certificates had to be issued if you did something different.
