sariel shalev
University of Haifa, Department of Archaeology, Faculty Member
- Archaeology of Jordan, Early Bronze Age, Stone axes (Archaeology), Prehistoric weapons, Eurasia, Archaeology, and 8 moreArchaeometallurgy, Metallurgy, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Calcolithic/ Early Bonze Age, Middle Bronze Age, Middle East Studies, and Medieval Archaeology(Archaeometallurgy, Metallurgy, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Calcolithic/ Early Bonze Age, Middle Bronze Age, Middle East Studies, and Medieval Archaeology)edit
- see C.V.edit
... der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat Griineburgplatz 1, D-60323 Frankfurt am Main Arbeitsstelle Miinster Seminar fur Ur-und Fruhgeschichte der Westfa-lischen Wilhelms-Universitat Domplatz 20-22, D-48143 Miinster tibersetzung:... more
... der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat Griineburgplatz 1, D-60323 Frankfurt am Main Arbeitsstelle Miinster Seminar fur Ur-und Fruhgeschichte der Westfa-lischen Wilhelms-Universitat Domplatz 20-22, D-48143 Miinster tibersetzung: Tzipora Rachel Kuper Redaktion: Beate ...
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A rich assemblage of Middle Bronze Age II daggers from the Rishon le-Zion excavations in Israel was studied. These daggers were found to be made of tin-bronze, arsenical copper or copper with tin and arsenic. Relations between type,... more
A rich assemblage of Middle Bronze Age II daggers from the Rishon le-Zion excavations in Israel was studied. These daggers were found to be made of tin-bronze, arsenical copper or copper with tin and arsenic. Relations between type, shape and composition are established, showing that greater control of composition and shape are directly related to the production of more stylish decorated objects.
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Among the artifacts recovered in the excavations at Fassuta (see Gershuny and Aviam, this volume) were six metal items that were sampled and examined. The chemical analysis of all six artifacts was conducted by a SEM-PROBE instrument with... more
Among the artifacts recovered in the excavations at Fassuta (see Gershuny and Aviam, this volume) were six metal items that were sampled and examined. The chemical analysis of all six artifacts was conducted by a SEM-PROBE instrument with WDS.1 Metallographic analysis was conducted on four artifacts by cutting a minute solid metal sample close to the surface. The two spearheads were found heavily corroded near the surface and therefore were drilled for chemical analysis only. The metallurgie and metallographic results are presented below and their archaeological significance is discussed. All the examined items were found as part of a funerary assemblage in Tomb 1, dated by the excavators to the transitional MB I-II (see Gershuny and Aviam, this volume).2 Details of the examined artifacts, the location of sampling and the mechanical and thermal treatment they underwent after casting, as seen in their metallography, are given in Table 1. The chemical composition of each of the metal ...
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Dedicated with admiration to the ancient artisans who new exactly what they are doing and used optimally the chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of their materials
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The beginning of metallurgy in the ancient Near East attracts much attention. The southern Levant, with the rich assemblage of copper artifacts from the Nahal Mishmar cave and the unique gold rings of the Nahal Qanah cave, is regarded as... more
The beginning of metallurgy in the ancient Near East attracts much attention. The southern Levant, with the rich assemblage of copper artifacts from the Nahal Mishmar cave and the unique gold rings of the Nahal Qanah cave, is regarded as a main center of early metallurgy during the second half of the 5th millennium CalBC. However, a recently
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The data presented here are results of a pilot project initiated by Ivan Ordentlich in 2001 on early bronze and copper axes from the collection of the Hungarian National Museum. At the same time, a similar series of samples were analysed... more
The data presented here are results of a pilot project initiated by Ivan Ordentlich in 2001 on early bronze and copper axes from the collection of the Hungarian National Museum. At the same time, a similar series of samples were analysed from Romania. Our aim is to make the data available as a starting point for comprehensive studies. Kivonat Ivan Ordentlich kezdemenyezesere 2001-ben vizsgalatokat kezdtunk a Magyar Nemzeti Muzeum gyűjtemenyeből szarmazo korai (kora bronzkori es kozepső bronzkori) bronzbaltakon. A vizsgalatokat parhuzamosan inditottuk hasonlo koru erdelyi gyűjtemenyek anyaganak vizsgalataval, azzal az elkepzelessel, hogy ez egy kesőbbi atfogo vizsgalat első lepese lehet. Jelen tanulmanyunk celja a vizsgalati eredmenyek kozreadasa, azzal a remennyel, hogy a nagyivű elkepzeles megvalosulasahoz teszunk, egy apro hozzajarulast.
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A study of the luminescence properties of one of several pit features removed from the Ashkelon Marina EB1 (Early Bronze I) archaeological site during a 1998 excavation unequivocally determines their function in antiquity. The features... more
A study of the luminescence properties of one of several pit features removed from the Ashkelon Marina EB1 (Early Bronze I) archaeological site during a 1998 excavation unequivocally determines their function in antiquity. The features are shallow (£ 50 cm) cup-shaped pits preserved in the ground. A hardened and reddened layer of earth £ 3cm thick forms the shape of each pit, and a thin layer of white calcite is observed to lie upon the hardened earth. The pit is filled with soft buff coloured, quartz-dominated sediments, indistinguishable from the sediments which underlie it. This feature, and several others at the site, are suspected to be putative fire pit installations, over which crucibles for the melting of copper had been placed. However, the lack of any direct association of copper residues or artifacts found at the site with any of the pit features leaves this hypothesis unproven. Previous investigations, which included X-ray diffraction, differ- ential thermal analysis, op...
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Research Interests: Archaeology, Environmental Science, Archaeometallurgy, Copper, Smelting, and 2 moreAraba and Copper Slag(Araba and Copper Slag)
(Araba and Copper Slag)
Neutron diffraction (ND) analyses of ancient metals show that this method is capable of detecting differences in the inner composition and microstructure of ancient metal objects. This gives archaeometallurgists a powerful non-destructive... more
Neutron diffraction (ND) analyses of ancient metals show that this method is capable of detecting differences in the inner composition and microstructure of ancient metal objects. This gives archaeometallurgists a powerful non-destructive tool to help generate a better understanding of ancient modes of production (i.e. casting direction and mechanical and thermal treatment of selected parts of the original cast). Introducing this method in Israel will allow us to study unique and precious archaeological metal artifacts that cannot be taken abroad or cut or drilled for sampling. We carried out ND measurements on two Middle Bronze Age I "Eye" axes, one made of bronze and the other of silver, both found recently in the ancient cemetery of Mahzevat Shuni. Both artefacts are rare finds with the silver axe unique in the archaeology of Israel. ND was carried out on the newly assembled KARL diffractometer at the IRR-1 at the Nuclear Research Center – Soreq, Israel. Preliminary res...
Late Chalcolithic metallurgy developed in the southern Levant simultaneously with other crafts and new social institutions, reflecting advances in social organization, cults and technology. Until recently, copper items were mostly found... more
Late Chalcolithic metallurgy developed in the southern Levant simultaneously with other crafts and new social institutions, reflecting advances in social organization, cults and technology. Until recently, copper items were mostly found in the Negev and Judean Desert, while other areas, specifically the Jordan Valley, were considered poor, with limited copper finds. Recent excavations at Late Chalcolithic Fazael in the Jordan Valley yielded dozens of copper items that allow for the first time a comprehensive study of copper items from this area. The assemblage is one of the largest of any site in the Late Chalcolithic period and includes most of the known components of the Late Chalcolithic copper industry. The current paper presents the new metallurgical discoveries from the Fazael Basin and discusses their significance to our understanding of the Late Chalcolithic copper industry.
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As part of the archaeological study of Nahal Amram in the ‘Araba valley, copper slag samples from a mining camp dating from the 5th millennium BCE until the 1st millennium AD were chemically analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in an... more
As part of the archaeological study of Nahal Amram in the ‘Araba valley, copper slag samples from a mining camp dating from the 5th millennium BCE until the 1st millennium AD were chemically analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in an attempt to determine the technological level of production in each of the site’s occupation. The method provides a tool to distinguish between slag of various technological phases and periods. Thus, the slags from different sites in Nahal Amram related roughly to four stages of metallurgy development. These metallurgical results indicate the reuse of slag from earlier periods in later periods in order to produce more copper from the slag as a result of more complex production methods that were available in the later periods. Thus, in Nahal Amram, we can observe a real technological development of metallurgical production from earlier to later periods based almost exclusively upon the results of slag analyses. The results were compared with other smelting sites in the region.
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Abstract We present archaeozoological evidence that shed light on the economic activities undertaken at the Early Roman site Migdal, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Israel), by analysing an animal bone assemblage recovered... more
Abstract We present archaeozoological evidence that shed light on the economic activities undertaken at the Early Roman site Migdal, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Israel), by analysing an animal bone assemblage recovered from the town’s industrial quarter. Focusing on the many fragmented equid bones dotted with reddish stains discovered in unique installations, we bring forth both an intra-site and inter-site study which highlights the important process of sail manufacturing in the Southern Levant during the Early Roman period.
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Page 1. cEn Yahav?A Copper Smelting Site in the cArava Yuval Yekutieli Department of Bible, Archaeology and Ancient Near East Ben-Gurion University of the Negev POB 653 Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel yuvaly@bgu.ac.il Sariel ...
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Iron Age silver in the Levant has attracted scholarly attention regarding its function as currency. Scholars debate whether hacksilber can be interpreted as representing a pre-monetary economic system, using pre-portioned silver exchanged... more
Iron Age silver in the Levant has attracted scholarly attention regarding its function as currency. Scholars debate whether hacksilber can be interpreted as representing a pre-monetary economic system, using pre-portioned silver exchanged in standardized weights, which inspired the invention of coins. In this study, four Iron Age silver hoards from southern Phoenicia (Tell Keisan, Tel Dor, ʿEin Hofez, and ʿAkko) are examined from archaeological and analytical perspectives. The combination of a contextual analysis of the hoards, a typological study of the items in them, chemical analysis, and comparison with other Bronze and Iron Age southern Levantine hoards implies that the use of silver as currency changed throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages. In particular, contrary to common interpretations, the hoarding of silver in stamped bundles and the practice of hacking silver do not represent a single phenomenon. Rather, bundling was gradually replaced by the practice of hacking silver ingots to verify their quality. In Iron Age II, during every transaction, the hacked items were weighed using miniature silver items to balance the scales. We conclude that the “hacked silver” economic system was not based on “pre-weighing” and therefore cannot be defined as heralding the use of coins.
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Distinctive patterns in the nature and composition of early metal objects in Israel and Jordan make it possible to find a chronological order in the celebrated, and hard-to-date, copper-mining sites of the region.
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The Middle Bronze Age II is a period during which there exists a contemporaneous usage of arsenic copper and tin bronze for metal weaponry production. In order to learn more about the alloys used in this period, the blades and rivets from... more
The Middle Bronze Age II is a period during which there exists a contemporaneous usage of arsenic copper and tin bronze for metal weaponry production. In order to learn more about the alloys used in this period, the blades and rivets from 65 daggers of two significantly different types, which were discovered at the Rishon LeZion (RL) cemetery, Israel, were tested by the non-destructive method of X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results reveal new knowledge of the alloys selected for dagger and rivet production, both of which represent fine examples of the Middle Bronze Age II Southern Levant in metal industry.
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Modi’in, localise dans le centre d’Israel, est l’un des rares sites qui offre une sequence d’occupations couvrant la premiere moitie du IVe millenaire avant notre ere. L’etude technologique des assemblages ceramiques permet de re-examiner... more
Modi’in, localise dans le centre d’Israel, est l’un des rares sites qui offre une sequence d’occupations couvrant la premiere moitie du IVe millenaire avant notre ere. L’etude technologique des assemblages ceramiques permet de re-examiner la question delicate de la continuite et/ ou discontinuite entre le Chalcolithique fi nal et le Bronze ancien I de cette region. Les resultats montrent qu’entre la fi n du Chalcolithique final et le debut du Bronze ancien I, il existe une continuite dans les manieres de faire les vaisselles utilitaires, mais une rupture dans la fabrication de bols a valeur ceremonielle. A cela, s’ajoute l’apparition d’une categorie fonctionnelle propre a cette region et dont les proprietes les rapprochent des bols a valeur ceremonielle. Ces resultats argumentent en faveur a la fois d’un lien phylogenetique entre les populations Ghassouliennes du Nord Neguev et de la Shephela (region situee entre les monts de Judee et la plaine cotiere), et d’une reorganisation de ces societes au cours d’une periode transitionnelle comprenant le post-Ghassoulien et le debut du Bronze ancien I.
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ABSTRACT The chemical composition and microstructure of objects excavated in three hoards from the end of the Late Bronze and Iron Age sites in Israel were studied using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis and optical... more
ABSTRACT The chemical composition and microstructure of objects excavated in three hoards from the end of the Late Bronze and Iron Age sites in Israel were studied using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis and optical metallography. The objects are industrial in origin (scrap or jewelry pieces) and include differently shaped ingots, mainly so-called hacksilber, in various sizes. The primary composition is Ag with typically several percent of Cu and Au and less than 1 % of Pb. The concentrations of these metals in each hoard differ significantly. The microstructure of the hacksilber ingots shows a typical dendritic as-cast structure and a surface cold work deformation, probably caused by chiseling the ingot piece off a larger cast bar. Relatively high concentrations of Au, as in the above samples, were observed previously in Egyptian ancient silver which differs from the ancient Greek silver that contains a significantly lower Au content.
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ABSTRACT Running rivers are very scarce in globally distributed hyperarid and arid coastlines (∼28,000km worldwide), and it is ephemeral rivers that carry most terrestrial sediment into the sea in these regions. However, there is very... more
ABSTRACT Running rivers are very scarce in globally distributed hyperarid and arid coastlines (∼28,000km worldwide), and it is ephemeral rivers that carry most terrestrial sediment into the sea in these regions. However, there is very little information regarding the contribution of terrestrial sediment and dynamics of transport of sediment that enter marine basins from these rivers. One hyperarid region, the Gulf of Aqaba received an exceptional number of flashflood events during the winter of 2012–2013. The results illustrate, for the first time, how the high volume of flashflood sediment influences the distribution of coral reefs; dwarfs the contribution of airborne dust; elevates floodwater densities to produce hyperpycnal flows, despite highest ocean salinities; and is subsequently transported to the deep basin where it may be preserved as a climate archive.
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The 1987 excavations in the Shiqmim Chalcolithic settlement and cemetery marked the beginning of the Phase II investigations at that site. This project focuses on elucidating the evolution of early agricultural settlement in the Beersheva... more
The 1987 excavations in the Shiqmim Chalcolithic settlement and cemetery marked the beginning of the Phase II investigations at that site. This project focuses on elucidating the evolution of early agricultural settlement in the Beersheva valley of Israel's Negev desert. The report presents the results of a deep trench excavation and illustrates the complex stratigraphic development of this single-period site. In addition, contextual data is discussed concerning the discovery of a copper foundation deposit consisting of a mace head and scepter. An interim quantitative study of flint tool and animal bone distributions is also discussed.
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AbStrAct Shalev, S. 2007. A brief outline summary of nonferrous archaeometallurgy in Israel. Isr. J. Earth Sci. 56: 133–138. This paper presents a short summary of the current state of archaeometallurgy of non-ferrous metals in Israel,... more
AbStrAct Shalev, S. 2007. A brief outline summary of nonferrous archaeometallurgy in Israel. Isr. J. Earth Sci. 56: 133–138. This paper presents a short summary of the current state of archaeometallurgy of non-ferrous metals in Israel, from the Chalcolithic to the Persian period. The following topics are discussed: the compositional changes of metal artefacts through time; metal production remains (when available); mode of production and information obtained from chemical and metallographic analyses; the possible connection between changes in metal composition; and typological changes in shape, size, and color of metal products.
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The first known use of metals in the Southern Levant is during the Chalcolithic period (end of fifth to most of the fourth millennium BC). Dating from that time more than 500 metal objects have been found mainly in hoards, burials, and... more
The first known use of metals in the Southern Levant is during the Chalcolithic period (end of fifth to most of the fourth millennium BC). Dating from that time more than 500 metal objects have been found mainly in hoards, burials, and habitation remains, most of the metals come from sites in the southern part of Israel and Jordan and very rarely from beyond the center of Israel and north of Nahal Qanah. Most of the metals belong to two major categories and there is also a third, minor category: 1. Prestige/cult elaborated and complex-shaped objects made of copper (Cu) alloyed (either by a deliberate choice of complex minerals or by adding several minerals together) with distinct amount of antimony (Sb) or nickel(Ni) and arsenic(As). They were cast in a ‘lost wax’ technique into single closed clay molds and then polished into their final shining gray or gold like colors depending on the amount of antimony or nickel and arsenic in the copper. The biggest hoard (416 metal objects) comprising mainly of these highly artistically complex-shaped objects was found hidden in a remote cave (the cave of the treasure) in Nahal Mishmar, Judean desert, Israel, wrapped in a straw mat. The origin of the complex source material for the production of these objects is currently unknown. The nearest suitable ore is in Trans Caucasus and Azerbaijan – more then 1500 km from the finding sites of the objects. Several clay and stone cores and clay mold's remains were petrographically analyzed and the results point to a possible local production within the metals distribution zone in Israel. Currently, no production remains or production sites of these prestige/cult objects have been found. 2. Unalloyed copper tools comprising mainly of relatively thick and short bladed objects (axes, adzes, and chisels) and points (awls and/or drills) made from a smelted copper ore cast into an open mold and then hammered and annealed into their final shape and their blade's or point's hardness properties. The copper tools were produced in the Chalcolithic villages on the banks of the Beer-Sheva valley where slag fragments, clay crucibles, some possible furnace lining pieces, copper prills and amorphous lumps were found beside high-grade carbonated copper ore (cuprit). The ore was collected and selected in the area of Feinan in Trans-Jordan and transported to the Northern Negev villages some 150 km to the north to be smelted there for the local production of these copper objects. 3. A group of eight gold (Au) and electrum (Au + up to 30% Ag) solid rings was found in Nahal Qanah cave. This unique find, with no dated parallels, is attributed by the excavators to the Chalcolithic period based upon local stratigraphic and geological reasons and 14C dating of ground samples from the vicinity of the find in the cave. Surface analyses of these objects revealed a surface gold enrichment caused by the depletion of silver and the copper traces. This effect could be caused naturally by deposition, but could as well result artificially at the time of production in order to achieve a yellow color for the electrum rings rich in silver. During the Chalcolithic (copper + stone) era at least two, if not three different metal industries of different metals beside copper were operating and left their products in the Southern Levant.
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Summary. The famous sword exhibited in the British Museum is to date still the sole example known of the Sea People's weapons. Although its archaeological context is not known and its dating is purely typological, it is still accepted... more
Summary. The famous sword exhibited in the British Museum is to date still the sole example known of the Sea People's weapons. Although its archaeological context is not known and its dating is purely typological, it is still accepted among scholars as a Shardanian weapon also used by the Philistines, from Beth-Dagon, near Jaffa. The aim of this article is to examine these ‘facts’ in the light of a combined typological and technological study.
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Neutron radiation is a highly penetrating probe, routinely used for non-destructive testing of engineering components and for analysis of the structure and dynamics of novel advanced materials. The same analytical techniques can be... more
Neutron radiation is a highly penetrating probe, routinely used for non-destructive testing of engineering components and for analysis of the structure and dynamics of novel advanced materials. The same analytical techniques can be employed for characterising objects of art, museum pieces and archaeological findings. In particular, neutron radiography, neutron diffraction and neutron activation analysis provide valuable and complementary information to address questions of provenance, authenticity, fabrication techniques and conservation. This paper surveys some basic concepts and recent applications of neutrons in cultural heritage research at the ISIS neutron spallation source.
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Archaeometallurgy frequently seeks to correlate between the temporal and spatial distribution of ancient metal objects and their chemical composition. In this study, we examined whether and to what extent local or temporal deviations in... more
Archaeometallurgy frequently seeks to correlate between the temporal and spatial distribution of ancient metal objects and their chemical composition. In this study, we examined whether and to what extent local or temporal deviations in the content of modern artifacts can be identified as a proxy for archaeological material that is typically less controlled and therefore more difficult to cluster. For
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ABSTRACT Thirteen bronze battleaxes from Middle Bronze Age II graves at Rishon LeZion, Israel were analysed by ED XRF at multiple surface locations in order to determine their metallurgical composition. Six of these were further subjected... more
ABSTRACT Thirteen bronze battleaxes from Middle Bronze Age II graves at Rishon LeZion, Israel were analysed by ED XRF at multiple surface locations in order to determine their metallurgical composition. Six of these were further subjected to neutron diffraction using an ENGIN-X diffractometer in order to determine bulk phase composition. The results indicate that the previously established geographical and chronological variability in Sn–Cu (with occasional Pb) and As–Cu alloys found using the former method may be an artefact of preservation and conservation. In addition, the varying homogeneity determined by the latter reflects special treatment for improving on the metal cast.
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... trade and the urbanization of southern Canaan in the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age, in L'urbanisation de la Palestine 6 I'cige du Bronze ancien (ed ... Key, CA, 1964, Ancient copper andcopper-arsenic alloy artefacts:... more
... trade and the urbanization of southern Canaan in the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age, in L'urbanisation de la Palestine 6 I'cige du Bronze ancien (ed ... Key, CA, 1964, Ancient copper andcopper-arsenic alloy artefacts: composition and metallurgical implications, Science, 146 ...
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The composition of lead inclusions in ancient leaded tin bronzes dated from the 4th century BCE to the 14th century CE was studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and compared to modern leaded tin bronze. It was found that the lattice... more
The composition of lead inclusions in ancient leaded tin bronzes dated from the 4th century BCE to the 14th century CE was studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and compared to modern leaded tin bronze. It was found that the lattice parameter of lead inclusions in all bronzes was smaller than the lattice parameter of pure lead. This determination indicates that lead inclusions in bronzes are Pb-Sn solid solutions. Tin concentration in lead inclusions in modern bronzes was not less than 3 at% in accordance with the Pb–Sn phase diagram. Conversely, tin concentration in lead inclusions of ancient bronzes was less than 2 at% Sn reaching concentrations as low as 1% in some instances. Here it is shown that this low concentration remained stable during annealing at temperatures higher than the melting point of the lead inclusions. In contrast, re-melting of an ancient bronze led to an increase in the tin concentration to values higher than 3 at% Sn which is typical of inclusions in modern leaded tin bronzes. This difference in tin concentration in lead inclusions could be used as a powerful tool for distinguishing between ancient bronze artefacts and modern products even when ancient metal is used for casting in modern times. Therefore, even when all compositional analyses indicate a perfect ancient metal, the amount of tin in its lead inclusions could tell us independently if this object was cast in antiquity or yesterday (i.e., is it a real archaeological find or a fake?).
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We present archaeozoological evidence that shed light on the economic activities undertaken at the Early Roman site Migdal, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Israel), by analysing an animal bone assemblage recovered from the... more
We present archaeozoological evidence that shed light on the economic activities undertaken at the Early Roman site Migdal, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Israel), by analysing an animal bone assemblage recovered from the town's industrial quarter. Focusing on the many fragmented equid bones dotted with reddish stains discovered in unique installations, we bring forth both an intra-site and inter-site study which highlights the important process of sail manufacturing in the Southern Levant during the Early Roman period.
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As part of the archaeological study of Nahal >Amram (see Avner et al., this volume) copper slag samples from a miners’ camp were chemically analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in an attempt to determine the relative technological level... more
As part of the archaeological study of Nahal >Amram (see Avner et al., this volume) copper slag samples from a miners’ camp were chemically analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in an attempt to determine the relative technological level of each of its periods. The results were
then compared with those from other smelting sites in the southern Arabah Valley. The method provides a tool to distinguish between slag of various technological phases and periods.
then compared with those from other smelting sites in the southern Arabah Valley. The method provides a tool to distinguish between slag of various technological phases and periods.
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Metallurgical remains were found at Dor mainly in Phases 12–10 in Area G, spanning the Late Bronze Age IIB (LBIIB) and early Iron Age IA (Ir1a early). These remains consist of metallurgical debris, including greenish cuprous bits and... more
Metallurgical remains were found at Dor mainly in Phases
12–10 in Area G, spanning the Late Bronze Age IIB (LBIIB)
and early Iron Age IA (Ir1a early). These remains consist
of metallurgical debris, including greenish cuprous bits and
chunks, bits of charcoal and fragments of crucibles, as well as
metallurgical installations related to Phase 10c. An analytical
and micromorphological study of sediments in the eastern
section of the area by a team that included the authors of this
chapter (Berna et al. 2007) detected significant amounts of
copper in sediments from Phases 12, 11 and 10c, as well as
temperatures up to 1300º. The following description is based
on this prior study, supplemented by an attempt to reconstruct
the metallurgical production processes, as reflected in the
various components of production that were uncovered.
12–10 in Area G, spanning the Late Bronze Age IIB (LBIIB)
and early Iron Age IA (Ir1a early). These remains consist
of metallurgical debris, including greenish cuprous bits and
chunks, bits of charcoal and fragments of crucibles, as well as
metallurgical installations related to Phase 10c. An analytical
and micromorphological study of sediments in the eastern
section of the area by a team that included the authors of this
chapter (Berna et al. 2007) detected significant amounts of
copper in sediments from Phases 12, 11 and 10c, as well as
temperatures up to 1300º. The following description is based
on this prior study, supplemented by an attempt to reconstruct
the metallurgical production processes, as reflected in the
various components of production that were uncovered.
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In this chapter, we discuss the many metal items found in the Middle Bronze II cemeteries of Rishon le-Zion. A wide variety of metal weapons and jewelry were found in the tombs. In order to discuss the roles of the metal items and any... more
In this chapter, we discuss the many metal items found in the Middle Bronze II cemeteries of Rishon le-Zion. A wide variety of metal weapons and jewelry were found in the tombs. In order to discuss the roles of the metal items and any possible relations to other cultures in the MB II, we will review the various types of metal items and their parallels in the eastern Mediterranean. We will analyze the archaeological contexts of the items (as far as possible) and their relationship to the deceased. We have also made various metallurgical and metallographic examinations in order to understand the ways the tools were manufactured, their distribution, and the composition of their materials. Using all this data, we will try to understand the socioeconomic aspects of the metal objects and their roles in the burial customs at Rishon le-Zion, through comparisons to other sites and cultures of the Middle
Bronze Age II in the eastern Mediterranean. The Rishon le-Zion metal items include two major groups: jewelry and weapons. The metal items
found in the tombs were personal items belonging to the deceased, placed there at the time of burial. To understand the socioeconomic implications of these items, we shall first describe the types of metal
objects found at Rishon le-Zion, noting parallels from other sites that offer to dating.
Bronze Age II in the eastern Mediterranean. The Rishon le-Zion metal items include two major groups: jewelry and weapons. The metal items
found in the tombs were personal items belonging to the deceased, placed there at the time of burial. To understand the socioeconomic implications of these items, we shall first describe the types of metal
objects found at Rishon le-Zion, noting parallels from other sites that offer to dating.
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The composition of the lead inclusions in modern and ancient leaded tin-bronzes dated from the 4th century B.C.E. to the 14th century C.E. was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The lead lattice parameter... more
The composition of the lead inclusions in modern and ancient leaded tin-bronzes dated from the 4th century B.C.E. to the 14th century C.E. was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
The lead lattice parameter measured by XRD gives quantitative information about the composition of lead inclusions provided that the lead and tin form a substitutional solid solution.
It was found, in particular, that lead inclusions in samples of modern bronze might contain as far as 3 or more atomic % of tin. This value agrees well with a maximum solved tin concentration of 2% derived from the generally accepted Pb-Sn phase diagram by the extrapolation of high temperature data.
At the same time, it was revealed that in lead inclusions in samples of ancient bronze the tin content is about 1%. This observation indicates that the generally accepted Pb-Sn phase diagram does not correspond to a true equilibrium state. As a result of Sn diffusion out of lead inclusions, the Pb-Sn solid solution gets closer to the equilibrium state in times on the order of centuries.
Thus, distinguishing ancient from modern leaded tin-bronzes according to the tin concentration in their lead inclusions is indeed possible. It seems that the described phenomenon can also be used to distinguish real ancient artifacts from modern counterfeits.
The lead lattice parameter measured by XRD gives quantitative information about the composition of lead inclusions provided that the lead and tin form a substitutional solid solution.
It was found, in particular, that lead inclusions in samples of modern bronze might contain as far as 3 or more atomic % of tin. This value agrees well with a maximum solved tin concentration of 2% derived from the generally accepted Pb-Sn phase diagram by the extrapolation of high temperature data.
At the same time, it was revealed that in lead inclusions in samples of ancient bronze the tin content is about 1%. This observation indicates that the generally accepted Pb-Sn phase diagram does not correspond to a true equilibrium state. As a result of Sn diffusion out of lead inclusions, the Pb-Sn solid solution gets closer to the equilibrium state in times on the order of centuries.
Thus, distinguishing ancient from modern leaded tin-bronzes according to the tin concentration in their lead inclusions is indeed possible. It seems that the described phenomenon can also be used to distinguish real ancient artifacts from modern counterfeits.
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A presentation about: The Chalcolithic Metals Enigma: 50 years of
research and part of the mystery still unsolved… presented in Aharoni day conference at T.A. Univ. 8.3.18
research and part of the mystery still unsolved… presented in Aharoni day conference at T.A. Univ. 8.3.18
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Why are Scientists Afraid of ED-XRF Analysis in Art and Archaeology
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What happened to a metal nail at the bottom of the Mediterranean sea.
The story of excavating a shipwreck from the Persian Period, circa 2400 years old, near Ma’agan Michael.
The story of excavating a shipwreck from the Persian Period, circa 2400 years old, near Ma’agan Michael.
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Timna MiningNahal Amram slags 4 13
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Craft specialization and organization of metal production in the Bible
and in archaeo - metallurgical research
and in archaeo - metallurgical research
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"ZOOMING-IN" with compositional XRF analysis:
is there a limit? The case of Middle Bronze Age daggers in the Levant
is there a limit? The case of Middle Bronze Age daggers in the Levant
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compositional variations in European coins
as a control model for archaeometallurgy
as a control model for archaeometallurgy
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(Cairo Acc. Center 7.08).pdf
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Observations on South Levantine Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age metallurgy. The Transition from Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze in southern Levant: Continuity or Discontinuity?
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Dedicated with admiration to the ancient artisans who new exactly what they are doing and used optimally the chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of their materials
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Met past present future for Pdova University 2015 7 17