What was the significance of glass in Egyptian society?

Answer 1

This question came out of left field. Someone is actually asking a relevant question few people know about.

Prior to the Egyptian process for creating glass, the entire Roman Empire drank out of pottery; typically clay or earthenware. Egypt, though rich in resources, was financially destitute. They were so indebted to Roman moneylenders the entire country faced bankruptcy. When Egyptian glass hit the market, the whole world changed. Glass was unique, didn't flavor the wine with earthy tones, and made a cool display of wine's color, which before hadn't been much of an issue (Hard to see through an earthenware mug). Glass cups and decanters became all the rage. It was a status of wealth and influence to have glassware at your Roman feasts. Glass poured out, and money poured in to Egypt in extraordinary quantities. By the time of Antony and Cleopatra, Egypt had gone from being bankrupt to having the greatest treasury on earth.

They also came up with a technique of bonding different types and colors of glass that was nearly magical. Even today, we are incapable of firing glass in this way. Cups made this way were extremely rare, and cost a fortune. When Octavian (Augustus) beat Anthony and Cleopatra, he seized the Egyptian treasure. To stamp out all remnants of his ex-rivals (pictures on coins, etc.) he ordered the entire treasury, every item, broken up or melted down to be reforged (with his picture on the new coins, of course). One of his Centurians brought a single cup, made in this unique way. It was intended as a gift from Cleopatra to Anthony and had her image on one side, his on the other. Breaking it up would destroy its value. It was so unique, and so priceless, Octavian relented. It was the only piece of treasure to survive intact. It was said to be worth as much as all the rest of the treasure combined.
The cup passed to TIberias, then to Gaius (Caligula). When he was killed, the cup was stolen by the Praetorians and disappeared from history. Next to the Holy Grail, or perhaps the Ark of the Covenant, it would be the most priceless treasure of all antiquity if anyone actually found it.

Answer 2

Glass was invented in Egypt. It was only used for objects, not as vessels at first- and not for windows for thousands of years- But it was a major technologic development.

Answer 3

Now I could be wrong, so don't take my word for it, but I believe glass was a big step for Egypt, it showed wealth and power for those who could afford it and provided a new trade for them.

Answer 4

He wrote an opera called "Akhnaten ".
Couldn't resist!