Jennifer Garner, Rolf Golze, Manuel Zeiler

High Medieval Silver Mining and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy in Northern Siegerland, Germany An Interim Report

Introduction

High medieval silver mining and non-ferrous metallurgy in northern siegerland, germany an interim report. Explore High Medieval silver, copper & lead mining in Northern Siegerland, Germany (10th-13th century). New interdisciplinary research uncovers insights into metal production & the Altenberg settlement.

Abstract

In northern Siegerland, located in the ore-rich Mittelgebirge region of Germany, a mining landscape based on copper, lead and silver  metallurgy developed in the High Middle Ages. Beginning at least in the 10th century AD, silver-rich fahlore was mined and smelted. The 13th century is interpreted by archaeologists as the height of mining in the region with multiple mines, smelting sites as well as an impressive mining settlement at Altenberg near Müsen (Hilchenbach). At the current state of research, the decline in this high  medieval mining area began at the end of the 13th century. Since 2013, with cooperation partners from Altenberg & Stahlberg e.V. Müsen, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum and the LWL Archaeologie für Westfalen, new interdisciplinary research has focused  on the prospection and excavation of mines, mine tailings, charcoal pits and smelting sites as well as the re-investigation and re-evaluation of the mining settlement of Altenberg near Müsen. This research, which is still in the initial phase, has already begun to  provide new information on aspects of the development and organization of medieval non-ferrous metal production in this region.

Review

This interim report provides a valuable overview of ongoing interdisciplinary research into High Medieval silver mining and non-ferrous metallurgy in the northern Siegerland region of Germany. Focusing on a historically significant ore-rich Mittelgebirge landscape, the paper outlines the long-term development of a major metallurgical center, particularly from its beginnings in the 10th century through its peak in the 13th century. The authors clearly position their work as a vital contribution to understanding not just the technological aspects of medieval metal production but also the socio-economic organization of these complex industrial landscapes. The abstract effectively summarizes the established archaeological understanding of the region, noting the mining of silver-rich fahlore and the growth of an impressive industrial infrastructure, exemplified by the mining settlement at Altenberg near Müsen. Against this backdrop, the current research, initiated in 2013, is designed to significantly expand and refine this picture. Through a comprehensive approach involving prospection, excavation of various site types – including mines, tailings, charcoal pits, and smelting sites – and the critical re-evaluation of the Altenberg settlement, the project aims to unearth granular data that goes beyond previous interpretations. As an "interim report," this abstract successfully conveys the early yet promising results of a well-structured research initiative. The collaboration between archaeological institutions and local heritage groups is a particular strength, ensuring both academic rigor and community engagement. While specific findings are only broadly hinted at, the promise of new information on the "development and organization of medieval non-ferrous metal production" is compelling. This ongoing work is poised to offer significant new insights into the scale, technology, and economic drivers of medieval mining in Central Europe, making it a crucial reference point for future studies in industrial archaeology and economic history.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.