First eyeglasses, 13th cent.

The invention that helped people see better, is nowadays more than just a thing that aids in looking. Eyeglasses are an important fashion accessory as well. The oldest depiction of eyeglasses can be found on the frescoes of Tomasso di Modena, made in 1352 in the hall of the church of San Nicolo in Treviso, Italy. It is assumed that the first eyeglasses were made in 13th century on the North of Italy. In 1317, an anonymous epigraphist has written the following words on the grave of the alleged eyeglasses inventor in Florence: "Here lies Salvino Armati, the inventor of eyeglasses. May God forgive him all his sins."


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