The trade in mosaic glass tesserae in the early Islamic period – where has all the glass come from?

Key Points

• Mosaic glass tesserae originated from diverse geographic sources, illustrating the complexity of trade routes.
• Key evidence indicates a mixture of local and imported materials, affecting the styles and techniques used in mosaics.
• Analysis of archaeological artifacts showcases the influence of trade on artistic traditions during the Islamic period.
• Understanding these trade dynamics highlights the cultural blending and economic interactions of the early Islamic world.