This bottle was not blown by swinging and turning the molten glass but rather it was blown into a two-part mould, which left traces on either side. Syria won renown for its blown glass when this technique was invented in the first century BC. According to some, the technique was even invented by Syrians. During the Roman period, Syrian glassmakers established workshops in the rest of the Empire, where their skills were much appreciated. Their reputation was maintained in the Islamic era as well. Damascus especially was known as a major glassmaking center at this time.