Archaeometallurgy

This module introduces the origins and evolution of metallurgy up to the Renaissance, with an emphasis on the information contained in archaeological remains.

It covers the archaeologically most important metals (gold, silver, copper, bronze, tin, lead, iron, steel) and addresses extractive metallurgy, production and manufacturing techniques, from the mine to the finished artefact. Case studies are presented from research projects across the world, integrating metallurgy within wider social and economic contexts and archaeological questions.

The module is taught by lectures and some hands-on seminars.