[Pontiac]

Ian Freestone and Yael Gorin-Rosen posited that the great glass slab at Beth She'arim dates to the 9th century A.D.

Regardless of how old it is, the question remains: Why would you want a 9 ton slab of glass?

Then having produce this monstrosity, why put it in a cave?

[Jonty30]

Bureaucrats did it to use up their budget for the year.

[outofsalt]

"Why would you want a 9 ton slab of glass?"

Well, the article goes on to note the kosher aspect of glass, "If a piece of pork makes contact with ceramic - you've invalidated the plate and have to destroy it. But if glass comes into contact with the ham, wash the plate and you're good to go. So the Jewish people have a religious reason to desire glass." Maybe it was a buffet table?

[jjotto]

This is from the Islamic Period. Citing the Temple and Mishna is distraction.

Slab was same size as a big furnace there. Big slabs were made, then broken up for export. Something to do with additive ‘natron’ made this slab undesirable for trade.

[Redcitizen]

“ why would you want a 9 to.n slab of glass?”

Tourist trap. Worlds biggest slab of glass!