Member-only story
The Romans Were Nanoscientists
The mystery, science, and skill of history’s earliest nanoscientists
The Romans used nanoscience roughly 2,000 years before modern researchers coined the term. One of the most exquisite examples of their work sits encaged in glass at the British Museum in London. Having survived wars, plagues, and the overthrow of empires, this Roman luxury object is a prime example of the brilliance of one of history’s earliest nanoscientists.
This article is about how Roman nanoscience produced a ritual cult artifact that has stood the test of time.
The Artifact that Stunned Modern Day Scientists
The Lycurgus Cup is a Roman glass cup from the late 4th century AD.
It is made of dichroic glass, meaning that the cup’s appearance changes when viewed from different angles. When you light the cup from behind, it appears green. When you light it from the front, the cup appears red.
This effect was achieved by adding silver and copper to the glass.
The cup gets its name from a figure in Greek mythology named Lycurgus, an ancient Athenian lawgiver, who was known for his austerity measures and hatred of wine. It’s said that the cup was intended to symbolize his frugal lifestyle.
