Sunglasses made of Murano glass, 18th Century AD, Venice, Italy. Goldoni-type Sunglasses with Mocenigo Coat of Arms (Vascellari Collection, Italy, on display at The Murano Glass Museum) Long before the rest of the world would discover the danger of ultra-violet rays in 1870, Venetian opticians were 120 years ahead of the curve. The green colour of the lenses, conjured by the island's glassmakers in the bright hues of grass green, sea green and emerald green, wasn't simply a fashion statement, but had a key functional role: it has been later discovered that this colour serves as a powerful filter for UV rays, which are damaging to eye and skin health. Thanks to Murano Glass, it became a true innovative jewel. These emerald-colored sunglasses protected the eyes of the nobility and Commanders da Mar (of the sea) from the harmful glare of reflected light as they navigated the waters that surrounded them. These sunglasses soon became widespread among Venetian high society; one was almost certainly owned and used by Doge Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo, who was the leader of Venice, from 1763 AD until his death on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1778 AD. No one knows for sure why they were called "Goldoni" glasses, but it is assumed it's because Carlo Goldoni, the famous Venetian playwright. - Subscribe for Weekly Newsletter - archaeo-histories.beehiiv.co… #archaeohistories