Arqueometría y contexto artesanal de los discos áureos de Fortios (Portalegre, Alto Alentejo, Portugal)

Abstract

Starting from the topographic study and the elemental analysis of four gold objects from Fortios, we define a little-known type of gold object and survey all examples known to date. It is important to select the appropriate analytical technique depending on the problem to be solved and in order to obtain reliable results. In our particular case this allowed us to detect a brazing procedure using a solder of a lower melting point than the parts to be joined. Comparing analytical data from other, similar objects permitted the reconstruction of their technological domain, which is clearly Mediterranean. Finally the archaeological context, between the 8th and 7th centuries BC, and the particular character of the workshop point to a craft production belonging to the Orientalizing period of Southwestern Iberia.