The beginning of copper metalworking in the Copper Age of the Carpathian Basin – New data on the provenance of Early and Middle Copper Age copper finds from Western and Central Hungary

Abstract

The Carpathian Basin played a crucial role in spreading metallurgical technology across Europe. Furthermore, the significance of the region is exemplified by its abundant copper finds in the Early and Middle Copper Age (4500–3700 cal BCE). On a typological basis, the Great Hungarian Plain was linked to the Southeastern European metallurgical circle, while Transdanubia was linked to the Central European metallurgical circle, thus forming an essential link between the two areas. The provenance of the raw material of the copper artefacts was investigated through lead isotope and chemical composition analyses performed on Early and Middle Copper Age copper artefacts from Transdanubia and Central Hungary. The sites were dated through the use of radiocarbon dating. The earliest evidence of local metalworking was identified in Early Copper Age material as tuyères. Artefacts typologically related to the Central European metallurgical circle – specifically, copper discs and spectacle spiral pendants – were manufactured from raw materials sourced from the Northwestern Carpathians. The slag remnants discovered within a Middle Copper Age crucible also originated from this region. During the Middle Copper Age, the use of flat axes crafted from arsenical copper emerged. In addition to the Northwestern Carpathians, the possible exploitation of ore deposits in Northeastern Hungary and the Bihor region has also been proposed.