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Showing 2 results for Ancient Metallurgy.

Hamidreza Bakhshandehfard, Kourosh Kouhestani,
year 9, Issue 33 (12-2025)
Abstract

The settlements of the Qazvin Plain, particularly at Tepe Qabrestan and Sagzabad, demonstrate a continuous sequence of metallurgical development in the prehistoric period of this region. The aim of the present study is to examine the functional aspects, manufacturing technology, chemical composition, microstructure, and alloy phases of metal artifacts recovered from the Iron Age levels of the Sagzabad site. In this context, the study aims to address key questions regarding the production processes and manufacturing techniques of the artifacts, the alloying practices employed, as well as the chemical composition and formation conditions of the identified corrosion products. To achieve these objectives, various analytical techniques were employed, including XRF for determining the chemical composition. The results indicated the presence of various alloys, including copper–arsenic, copper–antimony, tin bronze, and nearly pure copper. Metallographic analysis of two samples with preserved metallic cores revealed a cast structure with a distinct core, providing important information about the manufacturing techniques. In addition, SEM-EDS observations confirmed the presence of α-phase dendrites and the formation of γ-phases associated with copper–arsenic and copper–antimony alloys. Elemental analysis results indicate varied patterns in the use of copper–arsenic and copper–antimony alloys, suggesting that ancient metalworkers possessed considerable knowledge of how to achieve desirable mechanical properties in their metallic products. In addition, the identification of silver inclusions and sulfide intermetallic compounds within the microstructure allows hypotheses to be proposed regarding the types of ore sources used in the metal extraction process. The identified manufacturing technologies ranged from two-part mold casting to the production of chisels with both spiral and simple cross-sections. The analyzed artifacts comprise decorative, ornamental, and Functional objects. This typological and technological diversity provides a comprehensive view of Iron Age metallurgical practices at Tepe Sagzabad.


Rahmat Abbasnejad Seresti, Sheyda Ashrafi, Narjes Heydari,
year 10, Issue 35 (6-2026)
Abstract

The archaeological sites of the Ardabil Plain provide essential evidence for understanding the cultural sequences of northwestern Iran and its interactions with the Iranian Plateau, the South Caucasus, and eastern Anatolia. Among these sites, the mound of Qaleh Yeri–Kuraim is of particular significance. This paper presents the results of the first season of stratigraphic excavations conducted in 2023, based on two test trenches. Test Trench I (TTI) was opened to establish a comprehensive cultural sequence at the site, while Test Trench II (TTII) targeted deposits associated with the Transcaucasian/Kura Araxes Early Bronze Age horizon. The excavations revealed substantial archaeological evidence, including dry stone and mudbrick architectural remains, industrial installations such as kilns, metallurgical evidence, and extensive ceramic assemblages. In TTI, a long and well defined stratigraphic sequence of approximately 14.6 meters was documented, containing successive and occasionally alternating layers with Islamic, historical, and Bronze Age pottery. This sequence represents one of the most continuous stratigraphic records in the eastern sector of northwestern Iran. TTII yielded significant evidence of metallurgical activities, including furnace remains, slag, copper ore fragments, ceramic molds, and crucibles, indicating metal smelting, refining, and production during the Early Bronze Age. Eco-factual evidence, including animal remains (primarily sheep and cattle) and plant remains (notably wheat and barley), reflects a subsistence economy based on mixed farming and animal husbandry. Special finds such as obsidian tools, spindle whorls, grinding stones, bone implements, and clay figurines demonstrate a range of domestic, economic, and symbolic activities from the Bronze Age through the historical and Islamic periods. In the absence of absolute dating, the site’s chronology currently relies on relative dating and ceramic typology. The results indicate long term occupation interrupted by two major hiatuses, likely linked to tectonic, environmental, and historical changes.


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