Glass on the Amber Road: the chemical composition of glass beads from the Bronze Age in Poland

The article discusses the chemical composition of 56 glass samples from 52 beads found in Poland at 13 archaeological sites (mainly cemeteries). The artefacts have been dated to the II-V period of the Bronze Age (=phases BzB-HaB; c. 1600-750/700 bc). The LA-ICP-MS method was applied. Two groups were distinguished in this assemblage based on a comparison of the MgO to K2O ratio in glass: (i) high magnesium glass (HMG)-23; and (ii) low magnesium and high potassium glass (LMHK)-33 (29 matrix glass specimens and 4 decorative). In southern Poland, beads made of HMG and LMHK are often found in the same cemeteries. Analyses have shown that HMG was most probably made in Mesopotamia and that at least one cobalt glass is of Egyptian provenance. LMHK glass was made in Europe, most probably in Italy. Also, Italy was the most probable transit point for artefacts made of HMG en route to East-Central Europe.