A geochemical survey of the Antas Valley, Sardinia: Medieval metallurgy and modern slag recycling?

IF 1.5 2区历史学 0 ARCHAEOLOGY

Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105114

N. Minvielle Larousse , E. Brodie , G. Geltner , H. Gopnik , F. Sanna , C. Tomczyk

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Abstract

Geochemical surveys of the Antas Valley in Sardinia, Italy, have revealed significant zinc and lead concentrations along the Antas River floodplains, suggesting the presence of medieval ore-processing workshops which are otherwise hard to detect. While the zinc concentrations were found to be dispersed and probably related to the erosion of zinc-rich dolomite, the lead concentrations were more localised on the banks of the river, suggesting an anthropogenic origin. Three large concentrations of lead were found to coincide with deposits of black glassy slag, a by-product of ore processing. Analysis of the slag revealed a high lead content (around 75%) and very low zinc content, which along with historical research suggests either medieval ore processing for silver and/or 19th-century slag recycling. The near absence of zinc in the slag supports the 19th-century recycling hypothesis, as this period saw an increased demand for silver, lead and zinc and the development of processes to extract it from older slag. Further research, including dating of the slag and excavation of the lead-enriched areas, is required to confirm the origin of the slag deposits.

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来源期刊

Journal of Archaeological Science-Reports ARCHAEOLOGY-

CiteScore

3.10

自引率

12.50%

发文量

405

期刊介绍： Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports is aimed at archaeologists and scientists engaged with the application of scientific techniques and methodologies to all areas of archaeology. The journal focuses on the results of the application of scientific methods to archaeological problems and debates. It will provide a forum for reviews and scientific debate of issues in scientific archaeology and their impact in the wider subject. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports will publish papers of excellent archaeological science, with regional or wider interest. This will include case studies, reviews and short papers where an established scientific technique sheds light on archaeological questions and debates.