The trading and consumption of Roman glass in Britain 50 BCE – 500 CE

Marsh, David Lindsay (2023). The trading and consumption of Roman glass in Britain 50 BCE – 500 CE. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The Romans traded and consumed more glass than any other previous civilisation. From 50 BCE, the glass industry expanded across the empire using safe trade routes and was introduced to Roman Britain c. 43 CE. At this time with the introduction of new glassblowing technology which widened the range of drinking vessels, tableware, and containers, glass had changed from luxury objects to include also common domestic products.

One of the unique characteristics of glass is that it can survive in the ground for long periods and, like pottery, it can be a valuable source of archaeological data. For this research, a database of dated Roman glass fragmentary finds has been designed, created, and then populated with the data of glass characteristics from selected excavation site reports of Romano-British cities, rural settlements, towns as industrial settlements, and military bases. Selected datasets of glass on sites and across the region have been analysed for patterns of glass types and characteristics that can reveal socio-economic and trade trends over time and geography.

This study of glass distribution across Roman Britain has shown that large cities and military fortresses that were important to the economy had also similar broad ranges of glass types and forms. This is an indication that they were significant trading centres. There are differences in the composition of the glass types on sites that reflect different material cultures. The glass compositions on the industrial settlement and rural farming sites varied largely due to their proximity to large cities. The distribution patterns of glass across Roman Britain have revealed fresh insights into the dynamics of trade and transport routes into and within Roman Britain.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):