Trace-Level Microanalysis of Roman Glass from Khirbet Qumrân, Israel

Abstract A series of Roman glasses is studied using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation induced X-ray fluorescence. The glass originates from Qumrân, Israel and has been buried for about 1900 years. The major and minor as well as trace composition of the original glass was studied to obtain a better insight into the origin of these objects. The fact that the composition of this large collection is nearly the same for almost all the objects appears to support the view that Qumrân was a centre of the perfume industry in the Middle East in ancient times; the glass vials and bottles being used as receptacles for perfume, ointment, etc.