Qualitative and quantitative analysis of ancient glass coupled with replicate experimentation can provide an insight into the social and economic spheres and technological capabilities of past societies. This integrated approach was adopted to examine five opaque white glass gaming counters from Roman Wroxeter. Previous analytical studies have shown that opaque white Roman glass was initially opacified using calcium antimonate but later using tin oxide. It has also been suggested that opaque glasses were difficult to make, requiring specialised knowledge exclusive to a small number of artisans. Using a combined approach, the archaeological glasses were analysed chemically by SEM to identify the choice of opacifier to place the glass within a chronological framework and then replicated experimentally to ascertain the technology and ease of production.
