In the early times of the Roman Empire, glass started pouring to Rome from Egypt which had just been incorporated into the realm. Glass became cheaper and the industry started swiftly in the western provinces, making glass vessels common all over the Empire. The later glassmaking traditions of Northern Europe actually have their origin in Gaul and in the glass industry that was created in France and around the Rhine during Roman times. Even though ordinary glass was moderately priced and it spread to wide areas even outside the EmpireΓÇÖs boarders, the highest quality art glass was very expensive.
