Ancient industrial complex discovered in Egypt

An ancient industrial complex has been discovered in Amarna, Egypt, shedding new light on the glass-making skills of Egyptians during the time of Pharaoh Akhenaten. A team of archaeologists from Cardiff University, led by Paul Nicholson, has reconstructed a 3,000-year-old glass kiln, proving that the Egyptians were capable of producing their own glass. In addition to the kiln, the complex also contained a pottery workshop and equipment for producing blue pigment, suggesting that the site may have provided materials for construction and architectural decoration. These discoveries challenge previous beliefs that the ancient Egyptians imported glass.

Reconstructed glass furnace at Amarna, Egypt

The ancient Egyptians were far more inventive and productive than scholars previously believed, as suggested by new discoveries that reveal the highly advanced glassmaking skills of the pyramid builders. The area where the discoveries were made is located in Amarna, a city on the banks of the Nile, founded during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten (1352–1336 BC).

Historians previously believed that the ancient Egyptians imported glass. However, a team led by archaeologist Paul Nicholson from Cardiff University in Wales has reconstructed a 3,000-year-old glass furnace, proving that the Egyptians' glass-making methods were far more advanced than previously thought.

Researchers used sand to attempt to make a glass ingot using a reconstructed kiln. They also discovered that glass was part of what they called an "industrial complex." There was a pottery factory here, as well as numerous facilities for producing blue pigment and other materials used in architectural mosaics.

This "industrial complex" was located near one of the main temples at Amarna and may have produced materials that were later used to construct buildings.

"It has been proven that the Egyptians imported their glass and used it in the artifacts that have been discovered here," Nicholson said. "I believe we now have sufficient evidence to show that skilled craftsmen could produce their own glass and were likely also involved in the production of other products."

The discoveries were described in the book "Brilliant Things for Akhenaten" (Egypt Exploration Society, 2007).