An Archaic metallurgical workshop in Thasos (Greece): the case of Charitopoulos plot

Abstract

An important archaeometallurgical context dating to the Archaic period (700-480 BC) has been excavated at Thasos (Greece). In particular a pear-shaped metallurgical furnace was revealed while its fill and surrounding area was characterized by the abundant presence of slag, fragments of crucibles and furnace lining. Based on macroscopic examination and instrumental analysis it was shown that the slags and other waste products correspond to the melting and recycling of bronze. The significance of this finding is highlighted by the fact that the workshop is located within the urban core of Thasos. Based on the analytical results it could be suggested that bronze, containing lead was melted and recycled in crucibles at this workshop. Such ternary alloys were mostly used in bronze castings during this period. The results presented here contribute to a better understanding of certain metallurgical practices which were incorporated to the long technological tradition of Thasos.