Nanoparticles were utilized by the Damascans in the antiquities to manufacture swords with significantly sharp edges. The Romans used similar technology to make iridescent glassware. There seems to be much we can learn from these ancient people.
Artisans of long ago were skilled at engineering at the nanoscale level. They were manipulating material at the atomic and molecular scale and developing new functions and properties. They mixed nanoscale particles to improve the overall compositions of various materials.
There are some reports and studies stating that the Romans probably used nanotechnology during their time. The Romans were able to create glassware that was considered to be highly intricate at that time. What is nanotechnology anyway? This is the process of manipulating materials in the molecular and the atomic scale in order to create new things that were not yet available. Right now people have gone beyond nanotechnology.
A lot of people are learning nanocomposites now and the details that will be learned are expected to make a lot of difference in the long run. One object that can be considered as a sign of the use of nanotechnology by the Romans is The Lycurgus Cup. This is decorative and is made of glass that can change depending on the light.
Nanotechnology is the changing of mass on atoms, super molecules and molecules. Even though it was first heard in 1959, it may have actually taken place much earlier. The earliest is known to be in use is in ancient India. This took place in 600 BC. However, Romans may have used it when they were creating pottery from metallic glitter. This occurred in the Middle Ages and also in the Renaissance.
These two eras took place in Rome, so the Romans were involved with nanotechnology. They used nanoparticles and the people who used them would have been the artisans or craft people. They used it mainly to make the pottery. Also, it was used in the Muslim world. This gold was used with nanoparticles.