Known as one of the greatest and most powerful civilizations in the world, the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent in the 1st century AD. During this period, Rome had conquered Europe, North Africa, and the Near East making it the greatest empire in the history of Europe. The influential empire lasted for over 1000 years so it’s no wonder archaeologists are still unearthing remnants of its long-lasting and extensive reign. Just recently, archaeologists working on the Winkelsteeg excavation in Nijmegen, Netherlands uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman glass bowl in perfect condition.
Unlike any other discoveries which are unearthed in broken fragments, the blue glass bowl was found in astonishing condition without visible cracks or chips. Estimated to be around 2,000 years old, the bowl looked as if it just came out from its box, with no signs of any damage. From around 55 BC, Roman forces conquered the Nederrijn in the Netherlands and turned the city of Nijmegen into a Roman military camp. At the end of the 1st century AD, the city officially became a Roman municipality wherein all residents were considered Roman citizens without voting rights.
This 2000-Year-Old Roman Glass Bowl was Unearthed in Nijmegen in the Netherlands
Archaeologist Pepijn van de Geer and his team are excavating the site of a comprehensive housing development in Nijmegen’s Winkelsteeg when they uncovered a flawless Roman glass bowl. The 2,000-year-old find was believed to have been made in a glass workshop in German or Italy. Experts say that its impressive craftsmanship and striking blue color indicate that the exquisite dishware would have been valuable in its day.
“Such dishes were made by allowing molten glass to cool and harden over a mold,” Van de Geer says. “The stripe pattern was drawn in when the glass mixture was still liquid. Metal oxide causes a blue color.”
A Roman glass bowl has been unearthed perfectly intact by Dutch archaeologists in Nijmegen. https://t.co/wQodqtJSJu pic.twitter.com/M7PhVuvW5J
— CARAA (@CARAA_Center) January 23, 2022
The Roman dishware was excavated in the Winkelsteeg excavation in Nijmegen, Netherlands
The Winkelsteeg excavation site has been an abundant source of incredible discoveries including Roman homes, wells, jewelries, dishware, and even graves. But the 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl is remarkable due to its immaculate condition that makes it look as good as new. The discoverers say that ancient items that are perfectly preserved are truly a rare find. For now, we just have to wait until the local authorities can finally decide which museum to place the stunning blue glass bowl.
Source: Gemeente Nijmegen YouTube