Large-scale ironworking in Early Medieval protourban settlements: A case study from Mikulčice-Valy, Czech Republic

Abstract

Pyrometallurgical remnants, including slags and technical ceramics, offer crucial insights into Early Medieval ironworking. Iron held substantial economic significance during this era and its processing is particularly evident in settlement agglomerations and proto-urban sites across Northern and East Central Europe. Despite its importance, large-scale ironworking remains inadequately explored within broader socio-economic contexts. Our study examines around 300 kg of pyrotechnical waste from the northern suburbium of the Mikulčice-Valy settlement agglomeration (Czech Republic) using macroscopic and metallographic (SEM-EDS, WD-XRF) methods. The findings reveal specialised blacksmithing characterised by intensity and diversity contributing to a better understanding of the operational dynamics and installations in craft-production workshops. We propose that blacksmiths capitalised on the proto-urban environment, satisfying a high demand for diverse iron commodities of a dense population actively engaged in household, agricultural and artisanal work. While elites facilitated access to raw materials and maintained relative peace, direct control over iron production and distribution among the elites appears limited, apart from valuables like weapons. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between ironworkers and political-economic structures, offering new perspectives on the mechanisms driving Early Medieval iron economies.