Ep 2. Ancient Glass

In the season 3 episode 2 of The Naked Archaeologist, host Simcha Jacobovici explores the fascinating world of ancient glass. Glassmaking is a highly skilled craft that has been practiced for thousands of years and has left an indelible mark on human history. In this episode, Simcha takes viewers on a journey to discover the origins, techniques, and significance of glassmaking in the ancient world.

The episode begins with Simcha visiting the ruins of ancient Carthage in Tunisia, where he learns about the Phoenician origins of the glassmaking industry. He explores the remains of glass workshops and discovers some of the earliest examples of colored glass, which were highly prized by ancient civilizations.

Next, Simcha travels to Jerusalem in search of the famous Roman glass that was used to create stunning vessels and other decorative objects. He talks to experts at the Israel Museum who explain the sophisticated techniques used to create delicate glassware and how they are still being used by modern glassmakers today.

From there, Simcha heads to Italy to visit the island of Murano, known for its exquisite glassmaking traditions dating back to the 13th century. He watches as skilled craftsmen create intricate glass sculptures using traditional methods and tools. Simcha also reveals the dark side of Murano's history, including tales of espionage and kidnapping that were once common in the fiercely competitive world of glassmaking.

In the final segment of the episode, Simcha explores the legendary Glassmakers of Venice, a group of artisanal glassmakers who were renowned for their skill and ingenuity. He learns about the fascinating history of the guild and how they elevated glassmaking to an art form. Simcha also visits the Corning Museum of Glass in New York and explores some of the wondrous creations made by modern glass artists who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with this ancient medium.

Throughout the episode, Simcha provides insightful commentary and playful banter, taking viewers on a thrilling ride through the history of glassmaking. With stunning visuals and expert interviews, The Naked Archaeologist: Ancient Glass is a must-watch for anyone interested in the art and science of glassmaking, ancient history, and the ingenuity of human creativity.