Lead isotope analysis of glass from Ancient Sudan

What is it about?

Lead isotopes allow us to track the source for ancient materials used to make numerous artefacts found in the archaeological record. This study used lead isotopes to identify possible sources for the lead found in glasses from ancient Sudan. The identification of the different sources for the raw materials used in glass production can highlight possible trade routes and connections across the ancient world.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Glass from Nubia (ancient Sudan) is a relatively new field in ancient glass studies but provides a wealth of information not only about this material found in north east Africa but also about direct or indirect links between cultures through the trade of glass that could travel from as far as India. This work adds more data to the chemical study of glass from Nubia as well as investigating possible sources for the raw materials to highlight just how widespread these could have been for an object like a glass bead.