Not everything is as it seems. Imitation marbles and semi-precious stones in roman glass

Abstract

A synthesis, discussion and reciprocal analysis are presented regarding Roman glass ›imitating‹
ornamental or semiprecious stones in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Particular attention
is paid to vessels and wall coverings as well as personal ornaments. The generic group of
›marbled glass‹, with specific forms in stone, is itemized and identified. The peculiar influence
of fossiliferous limestones in coils, ‘partridge eye’ and ‘occhi di pavone’ patterns in glass is
registered as well as the provenance of the first decorative pattern on glass with continuity in
Rome: festoons in Egyptian unguentaria imitating a type of alabaster. We also contribute a
cross-examination of archaeological finds and literary texts as well as a chronological report
resulting from the overall analysis, paying particular attention to the stratigraphies of Celsa
and Caesar Augusta (Provincia Hispania Citerior).