How a Fragment of Roman Glass Transformed into a Photonic Crystal.
Multiple ancient civilizations across the globe, including the Romans. Aquileia, an ancient Roman city, experienced numerous challenges throughout its existence, yet remnants of its past have been revealed by dedicated archaeologists. Recently, an extraordinary discovery emerged in the form of a glass shard found on the outskirts of modern-day Aquileia. This shard, unearthed in 2012, boasts a captivating appearance, showcasing a lustrous blend of deep blue and shiny gold over a rich dark green foundation. Through a thorough examination involving chemical and physical tests, Giulia Guidetti and her colleagues from Tufts University, Massachusetts, have unraveled the mystery behind this remarkable find. The shard's stunning colors are the result of a chemical transformation of the amorphous glass into a nanolayered material, specifically a photonic crystal. This revelation sheds light on the ingenuity and artistic flair of ancient glassmakers, highlighting their ability to create visually mesmerizing pieces. Aquileia's rich history continues to captivate us through the remnants of its past, invigorating our appreciation for the ancient world and its remarkable contributions to human civilization
