The origins of glass can be traced back to the early civilizations of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (now the Middle East). Around 3500 BC, people discovered the existence of glass and began to explore the process of making it. The earliest glass products were small beads, figurines, and ornaments.

Roman Empire period: During the Roman Empire, glass manufacturing technology was also gradually developed. Around the 1st century BC, the Roman Babylonians invented the technique of blowing glass, which mainly improved the production and diversification of glassware. Blowing technology allows craftsmen to use a blow pipe to blow molten glass into various shapes, making glass products more delicate and practical.

Byzantium and the Islamic world: After the fall of the Roman Empire, glass-making technology did not decline. It was gradually innovated and developed in Byzantium and Islamic areas. Islamic craftsmen also introduced stained glass and some decorative techniques into glass making. This allowed glasswork to reach new heights in art and craftsmanship.

By the 11th century, Germany had invented the technology to make flat glass. The glass was first blown into a ball shape, and then a cylinder shape was created. Cut the glass while it's still hot, then flatten it. This technique was further improved in Venice in the 13th century.

Venetian glassmaking: Venice was the center of European glassmaking during the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, the Venetian island of Murano was an important base for glassmaking. Venetian craftsmen also invented many new glass techniques, such as glass blowing, stained glass, and Mosaic glass.