Michael Bode, Moritz Kiderlen, Giorgos Mastrotheodoros, Moritz Jansen, Erez Ben-Yosef, Omri Yagel, Martina Renzi, Eleni Filippaki, Yannis Bassiakos, Anno Hein, Andreas Hauptmann

New Archaeometallurgical Fingerprints of Copper and Slag from Early Iron Age Smelting Sites in Faynan and Timna

Introduction

New archaeometallurgical fingerprints of copper and slag from early iron age smelting sites in faynan and timna. Uncover archaeometallurgical fingerprints of Early Iron Age copper & slag from Faynan & Timna. Using isotope & chemical analysis, this study creates models for provenance, aiding future research.

Abstract

The copper deposits of Faynan and Timna have been exploited in two major economic cycles: a Chalcolithic – Early Bronze Age  cycle, and a Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age cycle. The present study focuses on the Late Bronze Age - Early Iron Age cycle of  the two districts and analyses a relatively large sample of smelting remains from their main smelting sites (slag, raw copper,  archaeological ores). The analytical results from lead isotope analysis (LIA; n = 145), copper isotope analysis (CIA; n = 49),  chemical analysis (n = 52) and microstructural analysis (n = 5) are compared with the current geological and mining archaeological knowledge and confirm earlier results according to which in Faynan only the ore type DLS was smelted in this  phase and in Timna almost exclusively the ore type Amir/Avrona. Based on the analytical data, multidimensional models of  these two copper types are developed, which presumably come relatively close to the copper types marketed in reality. Our  models are intended to serve as a basis for comparison in future provenance studies.

Review

The study, "New Archaeometallurgical Fingerprints of Copper and Slag from Early Iron Age Smelting Sites in Faynan and Timna," presents a compelling archaeometallurgical investigation into the Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age copper production in two pivotal regions. By analyzing a substantial sample of smelting remains from Faynan and Timna, the authors aim to establish distinct "fingerprints" for the copper types exploited during this significant economic cycle. The work confirms previously held views regarding specific ore type utilization in each district (DLS in Faynan, Amir/Avrona in Timna), providing a firm basis for the development of new, more sophisticated analytical models. A significant strength of this research is its rigorous multi-analytical approach, combining Lead Isotope Analysis (LIA), Copper Isotope Analysis (CIA), chemical analysis, and microstructural analysis. The impressive sample sizes for LIA (n=145) and CIA (n=49) are particularly noteworthy, ensuring statistically robust results that enhance the reliability of the "fingerprints" being developed. The integration of these analytical findings with existing geological and mining archaeological knowledge demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the regional context. The development of "multidimensional models" for these copper types is a forward-thinking methodology designed to better approximate the complex nature of ancient metal production and circulation. These proposed multidimensional models are poised to be an invaluable resource for future provenance studies, offering a refined and robust comparative framework. By aiming to represent copper types "marketed in reality," the study moves beyond simplistic classifications, providing a more nuanced understanding of ancient metallurgical practices and trade. This research not only deepens our understanding of specific ore sources and their exploitation during a critical transitional period but also significantly contributes to the methodological toolkit of archaeometallurgy, promising to enhance our ability to trace material flows and reconstruct ancient economic networks across the wider Near Eastern landscape.

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