ARCHAEOMETALLURGY: THE STUDY OF
ANCIENT METALLURGICAL PROCESSES

ABSTRACT

The development of metallurgy is a significant achievement in the human career. Archaeometallurgy, the study of ancient metal production, gives a rare and enlightening glimpse into the lifestyle, culture, beliefs, science, and environment of the peoples involved. There exists copious evidence and remnants of such activity in the Chalcolithic age, an epoch from c. 4500-3500 BC. Crucibles, furnaces, ores, and slags, derived from the Abu Matar archaeological site in Israel, will be analyzed and evaluated through the use of illustrations and advanced microscopic representations of the artifacts in order to reconstruct the art of prehistoric smelting. In addition, the team will attempt to evaluate the artifacts within the context of the site as well as the broader cultural framework in order to understand the scientific and social aspects of ancient metallurgy.

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