By 100 AD, the Romans began incorporating small cast glass panes into the windows of villas and significant buildings, marking a notable advancement in architectural design. Although these glass panes were thick and imperfectly transparent, they represented a shift from the use of other materials like wood or cloth for window coverings. This innovation not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of Roman architecture but also improved the functionality of buildings by allowing light while providing protection from the elements. The use of glass in architecture laid the groundwork for future developments in window technology.

Enabled descriptions of interior light and domestic spaces in classical poetry, influencing later architectural metaphors in Renaissance verse. Poets such as Petrarch and Michelangelo utilized these elements to enhance their explorations of beauty, nature, and the human experience.