The Portland Vase, a key piece in the British Museum's collection of Roman treasures may actually be a clever Renaissance fake. Dr Jerome Eisenberg, a leading authority of ancient art, believes the Brith Museum's prized Portland Vase was actually made in the 16th century. Long considered to be one of the world's best examples of cameo-glass vessels from the first century B.C.E., the vase was said to be found in the tomb of Emperor Severus Alexander in 1582. But Eisenberg is not so sure. He cites "numerous stylistic inconsistencies" that would place the vase's creation in the 16th century. Other experts disagree, saying that techniques used were clearly Roman, and the controversy might prove to continue for some time.

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