The history of glass beads dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were considered luxury and valuable items, serving not only as ornaments but also as symbols of wealth and status. Archaeological findings show that the production of glass beads was highly developed and technologically advanced in ancient Egypt, where they were used not only for jewelry but also for ritual purposes. Glass beads were made using various techniques, such as glass blowing, molding, and melting, which demonstrates advanced knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
Over the centuries, the production of glass beads spread throughout the Mediterranean, primarily due to trade routes. The Romans and Greeks refined the manufacturing techniques and used glass beads in jewelry, clothing, and even in religious artifacts. Glass beads became an important commodity and a significant trade item that spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond its borders.
In the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the production of glass beads in Europe was temporarily lost, but by the 12th century, it reappeared, this time in the form of medieval glass beads, which were used to make necklaces, bracelets, and other adornments. In medieval Europe, beads were part of widely used prayer beads (rosaries) but also appeared in various forms of decorative jewelry.
