While there is evidence that clay marbles — small balls intended for game play — might have been made almost 6,000 years ago, glass marbles are a relatively new invention. Early Roman examples appeared only about 2,000 years ago.
Today, glass marble making has emerged as its own art form for torch workers. In many cases, the objects being created have evolved from play things to small works of art.
While there is evidence that clay marbles — small balls intended for game play — might have been made almost 6,000 years ago, glass marbles are a relatively new invention. Early Roman examples appeared only about 2,000 years ago.