This large glass bowl comes from Samaria, the capital of ancient Israel in the 9th century B.C.E. and 8th century B.C.E.. Located just west of the Jordan River, Samaria was a vibrant city for many centuries; its history is recounted in the Old Testament book of Kings. It experienced many invasions over the intervening centuries located as it was in the strategic mountains of Judea.
By the time this beautiful aquamarine bowl was blown, Samaria had come under Roman rule, a period of great innovation as new Roman technology filtered throughout the region.