Historical metallurgical activities and environment pollution at the substratum level of the Main Market Square in Krakow

Abstract

Abstract:The main purpose of the interdisciplinary research described in the present paper is to determine the characteristics of ground environment changes in the Main Market Square area, and to compare these with analyses of metal artefacts. The elemental composition of metal artefacts and the degree of contamination of archaeological layers make it possible to consider both as specific indicators, including being geoindicators that are helpful in establishing the chronology of layers. Metalartefact samples come from archaeological layers originating from different parts of the Great Weigh House. Layers were sampled, both in this region and also in a neighbouring area at the entrance to Bracka Street -trench A. They were collected from an area of archaeological excavations, which were carried out in the years 2005-2010, reaching down to a depth of 4 meters. All artefacts come primarily from cultural layers and structures -probably linked to workshops in the early medieval settlement which functioned in the area of the Main Market Square in the 12 th and early 13 th century. However, archaeological analysis of historical material allowed us to more precisely date metal artefacts to the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, which was confirmed by analysis of the radiocarbon age of a sample from Room R of the Great Scales, from layer 109. Average concentrations (mg/kg) of Pb of 128454 and Cu of 108610 were determined in this sample to the AAS, which significantly exceeded of the most concentration values characteristic of the layers from the Great Weigh House.

Metallurgical Slags as Traces of a 15th century Copper Smelter

“…Recognized based on the subsoil example of the Main Market Square in Krakow [10,12] consequences for the environment resulting from depositing in the substratum the waste coming from the process of copper and lead confectioning in the building of the Great Scales can become the comparative testing ground. A similar correlation of physiochemical characteristics of the slags with the geochemistry of the subsoil, especially the sediments from the historical watercourses, draining the area of the supposed 15 th century copper smelter near Krakow, can point to the traces of its operation and in this way determine its location.…”

“…He established a new path for copper trade (so called Thurzo's road), which, through Orawa, joined Krakow and Slowakia, enabling trading in metals. The copper and lead trade significantly helped the economic development of Poland and strengthened its position in Europe [10,11,12]. Jan Thurzo introduced modern and efficient technology of obtaining metals based on separating silver from copper with the help of lead.…”

Bronze Age Raw Material Hoard from Greater Poland: Archaeometallurgical Study Based on Material Research, Thermodynamic Analysis, and Experiments

“…Traces of old technologies are also preserved in the form of casting moulds and gating systems, along with foundry workshop equipment such as tools, jets as furnace remains, or crucibles [ 19 , 20 ]. Earthen deposits also bear witness to these periods’ manufacturing activities [ 21 ].…”

Geophysical and Geochemical Studies on Historical Layers in the Area of Old Krakow, Poland

“…These watercourses are often still active, and in areas where they are present, underground migration of the hydrated suspended fraction takes place. Places where sediments have accumulated in troughs, consisting mainly of silt, fine‐grained sands and gravel, are sites where pollution concentrated in the past (Wardas‐Lasoń & Garbacz‐Klempka, ).…”