During a survey in an area of the Othris Mountains between Lamia and Dhomokos (Greek mainland) some slag heaps and ancient mining sites were examined and relevant samples collected. In the mining areas the main ores are copper sulphides and carbonates. No underground mine exploration was undertaken, so it was not possible to ascertain if the traces of ancient mining have survived the recent ore mining activities. Slags were found with Hellenistic sherds on the surface of some of the mining areas and in some of the settlement sites. We have analysed different typologies of silicate slags: heavy and glassy slags. Some samples of furnace fragments have also been analysed as well as few metallic slags (heavy slags), interpreted as remains of the reduction of copper ores. Principal phases observed are orthopyroxene, minor amounts of olivine and metallic phases. Textural evidence and mineral composition account for a reconstruction of the Cu-reduction process, which can be considered as efficient and accurate. The furnace fragments testify of the strong interaction between the charge and the furnace itself. The firing structure is thus participating in the reduction process together with ore and fuel.

Archaeometallurgical researches in the Othris mountains (Greece)

REBAY, GISELLA
Methodology
;
RICCARDI, MARIA PIA
Conceptualization
2008-01-01

Abstract

During a survey in an area of the Othris Mountains between Lamia and Dhomokos (Greek mainland) some slag heaps and ancient mining sites were examined and relevant samples collected. In the mining areas the main ores are copper sulphides and carbonates. No underground mine exploration was undertaken, so it was not possible to ascertain if the traces of ancient mining have survived the recent ore mining activities. Slags were found with Hellenistic sherds on the surface of some of the mining areas and in some of the settlement sites. We have analysed different typologies of silicate slags: heavy and glassy slags. Some samples of furnace fragments have also been analysed as well as few metallic slags (heavy slags), interpreted as remains of the reduction of copper ores. Principal phases observed are orthopyroxene, minor amounts of olivine and metallic phases. Textural evidence and mineral composition account for a reconstruction of the Cu-reduction process, which can be considered as efficient and accurate. The furnace fragments testify of the strong interaction between the charge and the furnace itself. The firing structure is thus participating in the reduction process together with ore and fuel.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11571/16691
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