Third Millennium B.C. Tin Processing Debris From Goltepe (Anatolia)

Abstract

ABSTRACTCeramic remains of fragmentary vessels, believed to be smelting crucibles based on microscopic field investigation, were analyzed using a variety of techniques in order identify the metal being processed and to reconstruct the ancient processing, especially ranges of composition, temperature, atmosphere, and the constraints on processing which each of these processing variables would have imposed. The identification of the metal being processed in the crucible surface residues and the slags provide data to resolve a dispute over the nature of the ancient metallurgical processing at Goltepe; gold and iron have been suggested as alternate metals but were not found. Intensive study of the ceramic and slag microstructure, composition and thermal history was required to establish the processing constraints which will be used to aid future replicative smelting experiments at the site.