Granulation and Glass: Chronological and Stylistic Investigations at Selected Sites, ca. 2500-1400 B. C. E.

Abstract

This article discusses major granulation finds in the ancient world from ca. 2500 to 1400 B. C. E., and explores this technique for its usefulness as an index of culture and date. Sophisticated use of glass at the end of this time period (ca. 1600-1400 B. C. E.) is also reviewed as it occurs with granulation and is part of the emerging glassmaking industry. The chronological evidence for all finds is discussed; the most complicated finds are from Assur, Tod, Dashur, Byblos, Trialeti, Ebla, Ajjûl, and Nuzi. Although the technique of granulation and possibly the technology of glassmaking arose outside Egypt, examples from Egypt are significant because of Egypt's cultural stability and preservation of data.