Lycurgus Cup
ArtifactAbout
The Lycurgus Cup is a remarkable 4th-century Roman glass vessel renowned for its unique dichroic glass properties. It changes color depending on the light direction, appearing red when illuminated from behind and green from the front. This effect is achieved by incorporating tiny gold and silver nanoparticles into the glass. The cup is a rare example of a complete Roman cage cup, or diatretum, with intricate designs featuring the mythical King Lycurgus. The Lycurgus Cup is celebrated for its historical significance and technological innovation. It showcases the advanced skills of Roman glassmakers in manipulating materials at the nanoscale. The cup's design depicts King Lycurgus being punished by Dionysus, adding a layer of mythological narrative. It is housed in the British Museum and remains the only complete Roman dichroic glass artifact, highlighting its rarity and importance in understanding ancient Roman craftsmanship and technology.
