Chronology of early Islamic glass compositions from Egypt

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2019.02.001
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15T22:50:23Z
• Authors: Nadine Schibille; Bernard Gratuze; Eric Ollivier; Étienne Blondeau
• Keywords: Chronology; Ninth; Quarter (Canadian coin)

Compositional data of archaeological glasses offer an opportunity to trace the movement materials in ancient and medieval world. The lack a comprehensive record well-dated samples from Egypt, one major producers glass throughout first millennium CE, has limited systematic application chronological geographical model. Here, we report LA-ICP-MS results Islamic weights stamps Egypt that provide precise high temporal resolution compositions Abd al-Malik's monetary reform 697 CE year 1020 CE. This period covers several radical changes glassmaking. After significant hiatus production between last quarter ninth middle tenth century see advent novel glassmaking recipes based on use soda-rich plant ash. Our study establishes model serves as tool for dating assemblages, well allows clear classification Levantine Egyptian ash glasses.