This green glass goblet is an example of the kind of item used for everyday purposes during the early Byzantine 6th century AD, a prosperous period on the island. The shape would have been copied from fashionable expensive wares made in the Late Roman tradition and it is interesting to note that the form is the same shape as a roman silver goblet on display in the Leeds Gallery of Roman and Early Medieval Archaeology (AN 1990.93, image right).

Green glass goblets are very common on Cyprus, although most are found broken. Such goblets are found in private houses and also in public buildings, synagogues and churches. They have often been found in chambers of tombs, which is probably linked to the tradition of funeral banquets in late antiquity. People would commemorate their dead relatives by having meals at the tomb, and simply leave the glass and other tableware left over from these meals.

The obvious use for the goblets is for drinking. However, goblets of this shape might also have been employed as lamps, which perhaps could explain some of the tomb finds. Glass lamps often have three small handles attached to the rim for suspension (such as AN 1950.36).

Further Information

For more information on Glass production:

• Wondrous Glass: Reflections on the World of Rome c.50BC to AD650 (Kelsey Museum, University of Michigan)
• The Cesnola Collection from Ancient Cyprus: Glass page (Semitic Museum, Harvard University)
• Glassmaking in Antiquity by: Susan Hampton (from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)