As part of the Being Human Festival 2023.

Ancient Aegean is known for its vibrant colours. From textiles to glass making, these ancient objects continue to fascinate and inspire us.

Beyond the symbology of the blue eye lies a long cultural tradition of both the meanings glass objects were given, and the technological processes necessary to make the glass.

Modern science and archaeology are helping uncover the many rhymes and reasons of ancient coloured glass such as the use of multiple blue colourants, blue’s divine associations and glass as a man-made stone –‘lapis lazuli from the kiln’.

This event will engage the audiences with the rhymes and reasons hidden in the vibrant glass artefacts of the Bronze Age Aegean through hands-on activities, discussions and games, using 3D printed artefacts and, a variety of coloured material such as lapis lazuli and reproduced glass beads.

Three stations will explore the many hidden chemical and scientific processes, from the place of colourants, techniques and traditions to the many rhymes of the social and cultural knowledge invested in the glass objects.

What makes the Ancient Aegean glass so unique? Rhyme, or reason? You decide!

This event is part of the University of Nottingham’s festival Hub programme.