Byzantine opaque red glass tesserae from Beit Shean, Israel

This paper presents the results of analysis of Byzantine opaque red glass t esserae derived from three separate locations in the ancient city of Beit S hean, Israel. Investigation proceeded using reflective light microscopy, en ergy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive scanning electron microscopy. The glass matrix of the tesserae was found to be heterogeneous, with many inclusions. Similarities and differences between tesserae from t he two mosaics are examined and discussed. Implications for locale of manuf acture and production techniques are considered. Comparisons between the th ree locations led to conclusions about the use of the tunnel as a storage s ite and the implications of this for future research on mosaics.