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Roman chests, often used for storage and practical purposes as well as decorative elements in homes, were primarily made from wood. This choice reflects the materials commonly available and favored in Roman craftsmanship. Wood was relatively abundant and easily worked into various designs, allowing artisans to create entries that were functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
In contrast, while metal, stone, and glass may have been used in other types of Roman furniture or artifacts, they were less practical for the construction of chests meant for everyday use. Metal chests were certainly utilized, but they were less common than wooden chests due to cost and weight. Stone was not conducive to a chest’s functionality, and glass, being more fragile, would not be suitable for storage. Therefore, wood stands out as the most logical and widely used material for Roman chests.