Discovered in the Dutch city of Nijmegen, archaeologists found a remarkably well-preserved, 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl.
The artifact, unearthed late last year during excavations in Nijmegen’s Winkelsteeg business district, remained remarkably intact despite centuries buried underground. The palm-sized bowl displayed minimal signs of wear, retaining its pristine condition.
Distinguished by vertical stripes, the bowl’s creation process involved allowing molten glass to cool and solidify over a mold, with the pattern applied while the glass mixture was still in its liquid state. The blue color resulted from the presence of metal oxide.
Nijmegen holds significance as one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, possibly even the oldest. Established by the ancient Romans around the first century C.E., it became the first Roman city in present-day Netherlands, granting its residents Roman citizenship.
The modern name “Nijmegen” derives from the Latin “Noviomagus,” meaning “new market,” reflecting its strategic location overlooking the Waal river, which provided both military advantages and access to trade routes.
Given Nijmegen’s historical ties to Roman activity, archaeologists speculate that the blue glass bowl may have been crafted by Roman artisans or traded by merchants. Its potential origins in glass workshops in Germany or Italy suggest its value as a commodity for trade, particularly for residents in need of goods such as leather and cattle hides.
Excavations at the Winkelsteeg site have yielded a variety of artifacts, including tombs, dishware, and jewelry. Researchers are particularly interested in analyzing soil samples from an ancient well to gain insights into the region’s agricultural practices.
Lead archaeologist Pepijn van de Geer believes the bowl, deemed “truly special,” warrants inclusion in a museum collection, recognizing its significance as a rare and valuable historical artifact.
