An Overview of Evidence Supporting Primary Production of Glassware in Amarna, Egypt

Known for its unique core-formed vessels and rich blue coloring, glassware dating from the reign of Akhenaten (1353–1336 BCE) is often considered the peak of glass production in Ancient Egypt. Due to the fragile nature of glass and the few records we have of glass manufacture at the time, there are significant gaps in knowledge surrounding glassware from Amarna. Due to this lack of information, a theory of import has been favored. However, a focus on import rather than looking into production within Egypt is problematic as it places the locus of innovation in glassware outside of Egypt. This paper examines the information supporting primary production including the history of glassware in Ancient Egypt and physical evidence in the form of vessels and fragments. The history of Egyptian glassware is included to contextualize production at Amarna while the physical evidence relates more directly to issues of local materials and traditions. From analyzing these sources, I found there is strong evidence supporting primary production in Amarna that does not contradict the possibility of import. This is significant as it contributes to ongoing studies of glassware from Ancient Egypt as distinct from contemporary glassware from elsewhere around the Mediterranean region