Fold, Twist, and Draw – Techniques of Copper Alloy Wire Production from Hellenistic Jebel Khalid

Abstract

Copper alloy wire fragments were examined using XRF, optical light microscopy and SEM-EDS. The specimens come from archaeological excavations at Jebel Khalid in Syria, dating from the 3rd century BCE (the Hellenistic period) to the Roman period. Our results show that several techniques were employed to make the wires: forging, folding, strip twisting, and possibly ‘strip drawing’. We investigated the morphologies, treatments, and fabrications attributed to making wire from copper alloys compared to more ductile materials such as gold and silver. Evidence of extensive annealing and non-uniform, sub-round profiles, and uneven and faceted surfaces represent the challenges of working with the material. There is no obvious evidence of solid wire drawing. The metalworkers used different copper alloys to make wire, some with high levels of lead (Pb). Subtle joins were observed in some samples, whereas others had evident folds and directional structures. The findings contribute new evidence to enhance our understanding of base-metal wire development in antiquity.