Ancient Roman Vessel Crafted with Nanotechnology | The Lycurgus Cup

The Lycurgus Cup is an example of an ancient artifact that amazes us with its sophistication and advanced technologies employed in its production. The painstakingly carved three-dimensional decorations depicting the demise of King Lycurgus and the color-changing dichroic glass with embedded nanoparticles of gold and silver make it a true masterpiece crafted not by ancient aliens but by ingenious Roman artisans.

[meredithf.]

This cage cup is absolutely fascinating, as well as beautiful! Thank you for explaining the science, history, and artistic techniques surrounding this amazing piece of antiquity.

[henkstersmacro-world]

Interesting, thanks for sharing this👍

[sociallyferal]

You said the process may have been used for around 100 years. I would imagine that's probably the life span of the artisan that discovered the technique (and maybe an apprentice). It's astounding how many techniques have likely been lost to history over the span of human existence.