This growth also saw the production of the first glass tesserae for mosaics, and the first window glass,[1] as furnace technology improved allowing molten glass to be produced for the first time.[9] At the same time, the expansion of the empire also brought an influx of people and an expansion of cultural influences that resulted in the adoption of eastern decorative styles.[1] The changes that took place in the Roman glass industry during this period can therefore be seen as a result of three primary influences: historical events, technical innovation and contemporary fashions.[1] They are also linked to the fashions and technologies developed in the ceramic trade, from which a number of forms and techniques were drawn.[1]