Brass replica of bronze hand mirror found in Pompeii.  Circular mirror with polished surface (11.5cm diameter) and handle (11cm). The back of the mirror has moulded surface with concentric circle design.   

Today when we think of a mirror it is made from glass coated with aluminium or silver to give a perfect silvery smooth reflection.  But glass has only been used since medieval times. In the Roman world mirrors would have been made from bronze, tin or silver, highly polished to reflect light.

This is a hand mirror, most likely used by a woman as she put on her makeup – kohl for the eyes and powders for the skin. Dark eyes and pale skin were considered beautiful.  

When Pompeii was buried in the thick layer of ash and lava that poured down from the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.D., one of the most vibrant Roman towns was destroyed. The preservation of buildings, objects and even the bodies of people and animals has enabled us to understand much about this place and the way of life.