Finding the invisible smelt: using experimental archaeology to critically evaluate fieldwork methods applied to bloomery iron production remains

Birch, Thomas; Scholger, Robert; Walach, Georg; Stremke, Frank; Cech, Brigitte

doi:10.1007/s12520-013-0141-8

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…The value of experimental smelting depends on its purpose (Birch et al 2015;Juleff 1996Juleff , 1998Killick 2001). Many experiments offer participants an experience that creates appreciation for past technological practices and the ability to ask more informed questions.…”

Section: Why Experimental Iron Smelting?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Iron Smelting in Sudan: Experimental Archaeology at The Royal City of Meroe

Humphris

Charlton

Keen

et al. 2018

Journal of Field Archaeology

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The Royal City of Meroe, ca. 200 km north of Khartoum in the modern-day Republic of the Sudan, was an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush. From the 3rd century B.C. to the 4th century A.D., Kushite rulers controlled significant territory from the banks of the Nile at Meroe, in part through their ability to ensure the production of significant quantities of iron. The extensive archaeological remains of Meroitic iron production have been investigated over decades, and recently a series of experimental iron smelts in a replica Meroitic furnace has shed new light on the archaeometallurgical evidence. The data generated during the smelting campaigns has provided an understanding of the type of iron ore used, the construction and operating parameters of the furnace, and the workshop space created by the ancient iron smelters during the later and post-Meroitic times.

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Section: Why Experimental Iron Smelting?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Iron Smelting in Sudan: Experimental Archaeology at The Royal City of Meroe

Humphris

Charlton

Keen

et al. 2018

Journal of Field Archaeology

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“…Vigliotti et al (2003) show that magnetic susceptibility, as well as other magnetic properties of marine sediment west of Elba Island, are enriched in layers dating to the ancient smelting period on Elba. Mighall, Foster, Crew, Chapman, and Finn (2009) conclude that magnetic susceptibility helps to detect ore remains and furnace dust (at least in peat records); i.a., Powell, McDonnell, Batt, and Vernon (2008) and Birch, Scholger, Walach, Stremke, and Cech (2015) state that a magnetic susceptibility is a valuable tool for identifying iron smelting activities on sites. Because of the more pronounced pattern of As in corelogging data compared to homogenized samples of the <2 mm sieve separate, we assume that the enrichment of arsenic is mainly related to the presence of (coarse) slag fragments (cf.…”

Section: Sedimentary Smelting Signaturesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reconstructing human–landscape interactions in the context of ancient iron smelting on Elba Island, Italy, using sedimentological evidence

et al. 2019

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We reconstruct human–landscape interactions in the context of ancient bloomery smelting on Elba Island, Tyrrhenian Sea, based on sedimentological evidence. Elba was, together with Populonia, the center of iron production in antiquity (mid‐6th century B.C.E. to 1st century C.E.). The sediment sequences obtained by vibracoring in the Campo plain reveal that the Holocene transgression triggered aggradation during the Early–Middle Holocene (>5.4 ka cal BP). Nevertheless, wetland conditions prevailed in low‐lying areas during Roman times. Correspondingly, ancient smelting sites are found only on elevated areas along the edge of the plain. The palaeolandscape thus plays a key role in understanding location factors for smelting sites in antiquity. Our sediment sequences indicate that during Etrusco–Roman times (2.4–2.0 ka cal BP) morphodynamics on the island increased, as is evident from the alteration of slope deposits and slack water deposits in upstream positions, and the change from lacustrine to alluvial deposition in downstream areas. The charcoal record shows that fire dynamics increased simultaneously. The sediments that are synsedimentary to the ancient smelting period show significantly increased arsenic contents and high sediment magnetic susceptibility, whereas overall concentrations of heavy metals remain in the range of the geogenic background signal.

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“…After realising that all evidence of a series of smelting experiments could apparently be lost over a very short time period, Birch et al (2013) designed a series of experiments in order to develop a more reliable means of recognising sites of iron production and working. Similar to Chu et al (2013), they conclude that it is important to consider micro-residues in conjunction with more traditional, macro-scale, excavation methods, so that disturbed processing sites are not overlooked, and distinctions can be made between domestic and non-domestic processes.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similar to Chu et al (2013), they conclude that it is important to consider micro-residues in conjunction with more traditional, macro-scale, excavation methods, so that disturbed processing sites are not overlooked, and distinctions can be made between domestic and non-domestic processes. Birch et al (2013) suggest that further experiments could include micromorphology and chemical analyses of sediments, and this is the approach Banerjea et al (2013) have taken to understand the use of space within a settlement. They used micromorphology techniques as well as field methods to analyse deposits from areas of known activities within reconstructed settlements.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…She has presented her work at more than one UK Experimental Archaeology Conference, thus creating a positive feedback loop between dissemination, discussion and further experimentation. Birch et al (2013) conclude their paper by writing: 'Although specialist guidelines exist to aid investigations of archaeometallurgy, awareness of this knowledge needs to be shared beyond the sphere of archaeometallurgists and accessibility improved'. This message is equally applicable to many subdisciplines of archaeology.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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