Lucid Transformations

Book excerpt: The book investigates the contribution ofglass finds to understanding the nature of the transition from Byzantine toIslamic rule in Syria-Palestine, by analysing numerous glass assemblages fromJerusalem and its environs. This original synthesis explores the nature ofnumerous types of glass objects, and their distinct distribution in varioustypes of sites. Furthermore, the identification of trends of continuity andchange in the fabrics, technologies, typologies and styles of the glass findsthroughout this turbulent period, illuminates the nature of the processesundergone by the various communities in the Jerusalem area. Themonograph comprises a newly established, comprehensive, up-to-datetypo-chronology, based on hundreds of glass wares of the Byzantine and EarlyIslamic periods from scores of excavations, in and around Jerusalem and inneighbouring regions. Additionally, a holistic study of lighting devices, glasslamps and windowpanes, includes a novel assessment of Christian, Muslim andJewish written sources regarding lighting in religious buildings in Jerusalemin the relevant periods.