Ancient Glass Factory Uncovered in Israel

Global Archaeological Discovery: Historic glass furnaces, producing raw glass in commercial quantities, have been unearthed in Northern Israel. Findings suggest that ancient Israel was a major hub for sizable glass production, distributing it worldwide.

The remnants were uncovered during an Israel Antiquities Authority excavation as part of the "Valley Railway" project by "Netivei Israel" company.

Photo courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority

Yael Gorin-Rosen, Head of the Glass Department at the Israel Antiquities Authority, noted, "This is a significant find for the history of glassmaking both in Israel and globally. Historical records from the Roman period highlight the Aczov Valley area as renowned for its unique sand, ideally suited for glass production. Chemical analyses performed on glass artifacts from this era, discovered across European sites and shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, confirmed the glass originated from our region. Now, for the first time, we've identified the furnaces where this raw material was crafted into these artifacts."

In the past weeks, the glass furnaces have generated considerable excitement among global glass researchers, who hastened to Israel to examine the discovery firsthand.

In the early Roman period, glass became widespread due to its beauty, transparency, delicate craftsmanship, and ease of production, making it a staple in nearly every household. Public architecture also used glass extensively for windows, mosaics, and lighting fixtures. With rising demand for raw glass, special centers began mass-producing and even exporting it to other regions.

In a few months, the discovery will be on public display at the Carmel Zevulun Center within the Zevulun Regional Council area.