COMITE POUR LA SIDERURGIE ANCIENNE de I'Union internationale dcs sciences prehistoriques et protohistoriques

W. U. Guyan, president R . Plciner. secretaire

Siege du secretariat: Institut d'archeologie, 11801 Prague 1, Lctenska 4

Communication 29 Edited by R. Plciner

NEW J'fIEMBERS: Z. Bukowski, Warszawa; H. Hellenkamper, Koln

OBITUARIES: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Habi!. O. Sehaaber, Director of the Institut fur Hlirterei-Technik, Bremen, died suddenly on 12th August, 1981. He was scientist of considerable merits in the field of metallographical research of ancient iron objects, esp. of those from the Celtic oppidum of Magdalensberg, of Roman artifacts, etc. His new views in terms of interpreting the Pliny's the Elder treatise on iron in the Historia Naturalis is also well-known. The historiography of iron endured through Prof. Schaaber's death a heavy loss.

CONFERENCES:

SYMPOSIUM "ERZ, HOLZKOHLE, SCHLACKE UND DAS FRDHE EISEN" (I. Erzbcrg­symposion) took place at Vordernberg, Austria, on 12th-15th Oct., 1981. It was sponsored by the Fachverband der Bergwerke und eisenerzeugender Industrie and the Montanhistorischer Verein fur Osterrcich in collaboration with the Comitc pour la sidclurgie ancicnne. The chairman of the Symposium was Dr. C. Sperl of the Erich-Schmid-Institut {ur Fcstkorperphysik at Leobcn, who worked tirelessly to organise this scientifc event. Scientific sessions were held daily, followed by afternoon excursions to rn ake up a very rewarding programme. Thirty six scholars from seven European nations (Austria, Czechoslovakia, Federal Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Sweden) took part and read 24 papers, concerned principally with investigations of bloomery slags, raw

316 Archeologicke rozhledy XXXIV, Praha 1982

materials, and the products of early iron making. Themes of contributions: A. Reran (V;Tien): Genese del Erze des Steirischen Erzbergs und seine Spurenelemcntc; F. Wolkinger - S. Plank (Graz): Zur Methodik der anatomischen Bestimmung von Holzkohlen; J. Gontori (Sopron): Kohlenmeiler, steingebaute Schachtofcn und grolle gespaltcne Eisenluppcn aus Westungarn; F. H. Vcik (Klagenfurt): 2500 Jahre Eisen aus I-Hittcnberg - eine montanhistorische Mono­graphic; G. Sperl (Leoben): Versuche zur Holzkohlenerzeugung in Vordernberg 1979/ 1980; 1. Keesmann (Mainz): Zur .,Innercn TypologicH von alten EisenhiittenscWackcn - chemische Zusammensetzung und Phasenbestand; I. Scrning (Mr5, Grangesberg): Zur iiuGeren Typologie alter Eisenhiittenschlacke; Z. Buko1(lski (Wars7awa): Verbrcitungsphasen dcr Kenntnis des Eisens im Bercich der Lausitzer Kultur; K. Bielenin (Krakow): Eisenschlacke als archaologische QueUe zur ForschWlg des friihgeschichtlicben Eisenhuuenwcsens; F. CQIschani (Mainz): Eiscnschlacke von Torre del Mar (Phoenician slags); R. Plein.r - M. Bar/u,ka (Prag): Untersuehungen der Rennschlacken aus einer latenezeitlicben Eisenhutte in Msec, Bohmen; E. Tholander (Ronninge); Early iron-making processes and how they arc reflected in the slag microstructure; E. Formigli (Firenze) - G. Sper/ (Leoben): Probleme der Metallteehnologie zur Zeit der Etruskcr; If. Vicrck (Miinster): Eine oricntalische Feinschmiede des spiiten MitteIalters (analysis of an iconographic document); G. Sperl (Leohen): Metallurgische Aussagen von Schlackenuntersuchungen; D. Kriimer (Graz): Zum Stand der Vor· und Friihgeschichtsforschung in cler Steiermark; C. Eibner (Wicn): Archaologische Systematik der Ausgrabungen an alten Eisen- und Kupferschmelzstatten; 1-1. Presslinger (Leohen): j)tlittelalterliche Eisenverhiittung des Klostcrs Admont im Gebict des Diirrcnschoberls-Plahberg; M. PeTtlwiescT (Linz): Hallstattzeitliche SchmcIzijfen auf dem Waschenbcrg bei Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting (0.0.); J. Piaskawski (Krakow): The stmcture and properties of ancient and medieval bloomery iron; E. Nosek (fl.hs, Krak6w): Metallographical aspects of an early medieval bloom iron investigation; 11. J. Kosder (J udenburg): Ncuere Montan­geschichte des Erzberggehietes; G. Bauhoff (Diisseldorf): Metallkundliehe Untersuchungen all ostcrreichischen Eisenfunden (Bericht liber von Prof. Dr. Ing. OUo Schaaber (t), Bremen, durchgefiihrte Arbeit). Additional paper: G. Magnusson (Stockholm): A medieval blast furnace excavations at Lappcnhyttan, Sweden. - During the sessions four films were presented (on char­coal burning and smelting experiments at Vordernberg). Four valuable excursions formed an in­tegral part of the symposium programme: 12th Oct. Steirischcr Erzherg; 13th Oct. :Montanuniver­sitat and Erich-Schmid-Institut fur Festkorperphysik, Leoben (investigation of bloomery slags from Burgenland; experimental bloomery in laboratory conditions); 14th Oct. Prahistorische Samm]ung des Landesmuseums Joanneum, Graz-Schlo13 Eggcnberg; reception by His Excellency the Landesrat fur Steiermark in the White Room of the Castle at Graz; 15th Oct. Excavations of a 13th century bIoomcry and visit to industrial archaeological monuments of the 18th-19th centuries at Vordernberg (roasting plant, charcoal blast furnaces, ore handling railway etc. along the so-caUed (HEisenstraIle"). During the discussions, a system of classification and a German nomenclature for bloomery slags was proposed - and a project for an international exhibition, 40 2500 Jahre Eisengewinnung in 'hfitteleuropa", was dil:;cussed. At the close a press conference was organized at the symposium venue, the Hubertushof' Hotel, Vordernherg.

The symposium was unquestionably a great success and all the participants were well satisfied. The Comite P. S. A. expresses its best thanks to Dr. Sperl and to the organizing insti­tutions.

SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY:

Excavations:

SWEDEN: A BLAST FURNACE OF THE 12th-14th CENT. AD EXCAVATED AT LAPP­HYTTAN, NEAR NORBERG. Systematic excavations of an iron.making complex exposed an area of over 9000 m 2 in four years. The site consisted of a stone-walled blast furnace, a roasting hearth, 1 or 2 charcoal bunkers, 2 finery and 2 smithing hearths, 2 smaller ore stores and a living area with 2 houses (two phases) and a cellar; 300 m up a small stream above the site nIl artificial

pool has been identified.

317

Six radiocarbon dates indicate that the site was operating in two distinct phases: specimens from tbe bottom layers give a date of about 1100 AD, those from the top layer ca 1340 AD. These dates are related to varves from the surrounding bogs. Analyses confirm the very low iron and high silica contents in the slag. About 4000 iron objects were found, mostly of cast iron: around the soothing hearths there were bars and in the living area objects such as knives and horseshoes. This appears to be one of the earliest charcoal blast furnace plants in Europe.

C. Magnusson, Stockholm

SWEDEN: FURTHER STUDIES OF ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL IRONWORKING: Many excavations of early iron making sites are in progress in different provinces. Blekinge: A stone-walled and clay-lined bloomery furnace fragment (30- 40 cm in diameter, tuyeres) has been excavated by O. Nilsson; radiocarbon dates suggest a late 13th century date. "Blekung'~ iron is known from contemporary documents; its origins presumably date further hack. A paper has been prepared on this material. Smaland: In the area around Taberg new bloomery sites and charcoal burning plants have been found (1\frs L. Thalin~BeTgman). At Mansarp three sites have been excavated: Kaperyd with a 1500 AD furnace, presumably with water~driven bellows; low iron content slags indicate that this 3 m high feature worked as a ·'masugn" (Stiickofen, blast furnace); Asamon - a bloomery fmm about 1000 AD (radiocarbon date) and charcoal pits from llth-12th centuries; Porteshult - another bloomcl')' site. On the island of Gotland slag blocks have been identified which may have been produced in slag~pit furnaces. In H. Ryden's view there were sufficient ore resources on Gotlancl to supply the early inhabitants. Vastergotland: 108 iron production sites over an area of 10 km have he en recorded NE of Skara (G. Magnusson. P. ~ O. Millberg). Those at Lovlodjan, Svartcvad, Lunnekulla, and Anfinnsryd were excavated. The furnace types at Lovrodjan could not he identified, hut orc samples were analyzed; at Lunnekulla and Svartevad twin furnaces were discovered (0 25-30 cm, presumably low shafts). A Roman period iron smelting site at Forentorpa Angar near Falkoping was excavated: 4 sunken bowl furnaces of the 1st century AD~ without provi sion for slag tapping, came to light - the fifth feature was a .!tone-waIled shaft with a tapping channel (2nd century AD). Vastmanland: the blast furnace at Lapphyttan is described ahove in the note by G. Magnusson. Dalarna: a fragmentary blast furnace of the Ilth- 14th centuries was excavated by I. Serning at Lake Vinaren, Norrbarke. Iron ore (magnetite) was formerly exploited nearby the site. Pig iron was produced. SOdermanland: G. Rydstrom excavated a production site which is presuIPed to belong to the transition period between the Bronze and Iron Ages. The hottom part of a rock-cut and clay~lined furnace was found. Narke: a site at Finnbacken, Hardem~ shows that iron production began there as early as the last two centuries BC (P. Hansson). Intensive recording of early iron­-making sites is in progress in the area of Lake Kolsjon and along the Kolsjo river to Loa hytta (V_ Wedberg, P. Hansson, 1_ Serning). Stockholm: about 50 medieval iron artifacts (knives, nails, bars) from Hclgeandsholmen excavation bave been analysed metallographically (1'. Jacobsson).

An interesting test has heen developed for dating mining in Sweden by the geologist U. Qvarfort. When mining starts in an area, leached material contaminates the water and sediments of neighbouring lakes. Pollen·dated samples enriched by trace elements from ores in Lake Tisken at Falun show tbat mining activity had already started by about 700 AD (the earliest written records for copper mining at Falun are from the 13th century). The method has been tested on two further localities, and the results are to he published.

After I nga Serning, Grangesberg

AUSTRIA: EXCAVATION OF A BLOOMERY AT VORDERNBERG, OBERSTEIERMARK. In the vicinity of the industrial roasting plant (the 19th century Laurcntirost) at Vordernbcrg an area of 100 m 2 was excavated in 1980/81. Traces of the foundations of a stone~walled building were discovered: it housed an ore-roasting hearth. Adjacent to the southern part was a dump consisting of tuyere fragments, charcoal, lumps of burnt clay, and tapped slag. The bloomery furnace proper will, it is hoped~ be found in the next season. The scanty pottery fragments date:

318

the feature into the 13th century AD. It is evident that the iron~smelting tradition ofVordcrnbt'rg (where 14 blast furnaces worked up to the beginning of the 20th century) is a long one~ d;Hing back at least to the Middle Ages. C. Eibner, Wi"n

AUSTRIA: MEDIEVAL MONASTIC BLOOMERY AT ADMONT.DORRENSCHOBEHL. In 1981, trial trenches dug by H. Presslinger and C. Eibner located a bloomery workshop situatrd on the Blahberg (1100 m elevation). The place~llamc (HPlaperch" in the Admont monastery records for 1137), refers to the water·powered blowing system for furnaces ("'blnhen" - to blow). A timber-framed building there contained a stone~walled roasting hearth (rectangular in plan, 50-60 cm), in which rods deliberately cast from :::lag served as a sort of grid. Traces of two re­ducing furnaces with stone substructures and oval clay shafts were found alongside. ParaUel tapping channels ran out of both furnaces, in which slag rods were found in situ. The excavation will be completed in order to elucidate further important details. A small sideritc deposit was formerly exploited nearhy. C. Eibner, Wicn

Experiments:

TRIAL SMELTS AT NOWA SLUPIA, POLAND, IN 1980. During the traditional bloomery feast at Nowa Slupia, in the well-known Holy-Cross-Mountains ancient iron smelting ccntre, an interesting smelt using a slag pit furnace was organized by K. Bielenin, E. IVosek (Mrs.), and A. MazuT. In this experiment a smaH hole was made on the opposite side of the tuyere aperture in a little lower level. The result was that 30 kg orc could be smelted ''f'ithout any interruption in 6 hours, leaving a well developed slag block in the hearth or slag pit. This resemLled slag blocks with traces of protrusions or Htrunnions" found in that area. The hole made the burning of the charcoal or wood charge or the hearth easier. This result may be compared with the same furnace smelted without the additional opening which worked for only 2 hours hefore it went out. It seems that this experiment throws light on the mystery of how huge slag blocks were formed in the slag.pit furnaces of Central Europe. After K. Bielenin. Krak6w

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975 (Supplement')

Specialized items

J. KOCICH: Kalcne ocerove mistroje v archeologickych milezoch na vychodnom Slovensku. [In Slovakian: Quenched steel implements among archaeological objects in Eastern Slovakia. Short summary in German, not giving the title.] Historiea Carpathica 11969, 201-207. A quenched three·layer lance head and a not fully hardened sickle from Sebastovce.

J. KOCICH: Metalograficke studium archeologickych niilezov funkene rozdielnycb ocefovych predmetov. [In Slovakian: MetalIographical investigation of functionally differing implements from archaeological find s. Short summary in German. not giving the title.] Histories Carpat.hira 2 1970, 137-142. Investigation of a spur, stirrup, and axe head from Sebastovce (Roman and Early Medieval periods). The comparison of constructions is difficult when sections of polished specimens are not published. Low~ and medium~carbon steels.

J. KOCICH· M. LEUKANICOvA (Mrs): lIfetalograficke rozbory funkcnc shodnych a rozdielllych ocefovych predmetov z novsich archeologickych nalezov. [In Slovakian: Metal10graphical exam­ination of functionally comparable and differing steel objects from recent archaeological excavations. Short summary in German, not giving the title.] Historica Carpathica 4 1973, 143- 152. Roman period iron artifacts from Sebastovce, two knives (heterogeneous or Iow~carhon steels), a chisel (tow-carbon steel), and a cauldron handle (wrought iron).

LEUKANICovA, M. (see Kodch J., above)

NIS:MES. Vestiges d'une exploitation mctallurgique. Club archeologique " Amphora", sine loco,

319

1975. No pagination. J. - M. Doyen: Vestiges d ' une exp1oitation mctallurgique a Nismes. Undated slags in the vicinity of a Celtic oppidum. J. R. Marechal: Note relative au site du bois de Nismes. Black and bluish glassy slags originating from a blast-furnace process, presumably of the 17th/ 18th centuries. P. Blondel: Apen;l1 de rhistoire du fer a Nismes et environ. Notes in written documents from the late 14th and 15th centuries.

,V. A. ODDY: A review of procedul'Cs for the consen'ation of cast and wrought iron found on the sea-bed. The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration 4/ 2 1975, 367-370. The different characteristics of the corrosion products of cast and wrought iron are conlpared: cast irons preserve their original shapes better. Description of six conservation techniques; the protection of conserved iron artifacts.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1978, 1979 (Supplements)

O. Kit. BGAZBA: Odnolezviyny mec (V-VII vv. n. e. i7. Cebel'd)'. [In Russian: Single-edged sword of the 5th/7th centuries AD from Cebel'dy.] J\.1aterialy po archeologii Abchazii. Tbilisi 1979, 59-61. Results of the metallographical investigation of a sword blade from the collections of the Abchazian State :Museum. Whilst the upper part of the blade has a slightly edge-carburized wrought-iron structure, the lower part. nearer the point, consists of a bundle of ferritic metal. 3150 edge-carburized (not over 0.3% C). No photographs.

O. Kil. BGAZBA: Technologija i7.gotovlenija cebel'dinskikh nozcy (II-VU yy. n. c.). [In Russian: Manufacturing technology of knives from Cebel'dy~ 2nd-7th centuries AD.] Materialy po archeo­logii Abchazii. Tbilisi 1979, 44-48. 2S knives from five Ahchazian localities were investigated metaUographically. They belong to the Cebel\ly culture. the archaeological remnant of the ancient Apsilcs who lived on the northern periphery of the classical world. An addition to simple ' ... ·rought-iron or medium-carbon steel blades, individual examples of welded-on steel edges were observed. Quench hardening was relatively widely used. No photographs.

J . A. BRONGERS - P. J. WOLTERING: De prehistorie van Ncderland - Economisch-tcchno­logisch. Haarlem 1978. Reference to the earliest iron. (a Late Bronze Age iron pin .from Barger­oosterveld) on p. 97. Five iron bars from Eprave in Belgium are noted on fig. 59.

P. J. WOLTERING, see J . A. Brongers (ahoye).

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1980 (as to November 1981)

J. EIBISCH: Untersuchte Eisenschlacken aus der Siedlung des 4. /5 . Jh. u.Z. von Waltersdorf, Kr. Konigs Wusterhausen. [In German: Investigation of bloomer)," slags from a settlement of the 4th/5th centuries AD at Waltersdorf. distr. of Konigs Wusterhausen, Democratic Germany]. Zcitschrift fur Archaologie 14 1980, 217-224. Chemical analyses indicate bloomery and smithing slags, with melting carried out at 1170- ] 250 °C Some specimens represent the slagged furnace lining. No complete mineralogical evaluation presented. See the paper by A. Leube in this issue, p.324.

T. C. CHAMPION: The early development of iron working. Nature 284 1980, 513-514. In a survey of very early iron objects (late 2nd millennium BC), the author suggests additional centres where making and working of iron may have started. After HM

S. FERENCZI: Die Voraussetzungen ftir die Verarbeitung des Eisens im Gehirge stidlieh von Oruitie. [In German: Conditions for iron working in the region south of Oruitie mountains.] Dacia N. S. 24 1980. 151-156. Comments on iron-ore resources in the vicinity of important Dacian

320

centres such as Gradi~tea Muncelului etc., Roumania. A llOard of blacksmith's tools from Dcalu Gradi~tei.

D. GREBENART: La metallurgie ancicnne du cuivre et du fer dans la region d'Agades (Niger). LIn French: Ancient copper and iron metallurgy in the territory of Agades, Niger.] Travaux du laboratoire d'anthropologie ct d'etbnologie des pays de la Mediterranee ocridcntalc 1980 (Aix­-en-Provence), etude No 9, 21 pages. 24 figs depicting copper smelting plants. Charcoal pits and bloomery slags reported from Ekne Wan Ataran, in-Taylalan IS, and Teguef Jl'Agar. Radiocarbon analyses indicate 4th-1st centuries BC.

J. HAS LAM: A Middle Saxon Iron Smelting Site at Ramsbury, Wiltshire (with L. Biek, R. F. Tylecole et .1.). Medieval Archaeology 24 1980, 1- 68. A detailed report of one excavation of bloomeries from the late 8th and early 9th centuries AD, which were worked in three successive main phases. In all, the remains of 4 furnaces were excavated. According to the interpretation bowl furnaces with frequently renewed linings were in use. Nevertheless, it would seem that there was a low shaft superstructure, despite the funnel-shaped hearth. Fayalite (wtistite) glassy slag melted at about 1150 -'C. Fraxinus. Alnus and QrwTCUS coal, siderite ore nodules; several iron artifacts lnetallographically investigated (welding together of iron and steel for the manu­facture of knives).

Z. HENSEL: Z badan nad technologiq produkcji zelaza w Wolee Lasicckicj. Summary: Au. den Untersuchungen der Eisenproduktionstechnologie in W61ka I,asiecka {Research into the techno­logy of iron production hased on materials from W. L.] Archeologia Polski 25/2 1980, 393--400. Essentially a comparison of the properties of slags from W61ka Lasiecka with those from Mila­nowek, in the region west of Warsaw where numerous Roman period hloomeries have been found. DTA, TG, DTG, chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction used. The hog ores from W. L. contained, according to thc tests, more iron and considerably more phosphorus; the fayalite in the slags from there melts at a higher temperature than that from M.

J. PIASKOWSKI: Jeszcze 0 wczesnosredniowiecznych siekieropodobnych grzywnach z Malo­polski, Moraw i Slowacji. [In Polish: More on early medieval axe-shaped iron bars from Little Poland, Moravia and Slovakia.] Z Otchlani Wiekow 46/2 1980, 298-300. In connection with the discovery of the huge deposit of axe-shaped bars at Krakow (see E. Zaitz in this issue, p. 322), J. Piaskowski draws attention to his previous metallographieal analysis of similar examples from Zawada Lanckoroitska.

J. PIASKOWSKI: Zagadka ielaza Chalibow. [In Polish: The mystery of Chalybean iron.) Z Otchlani Wiek6w 46/ 2 1980, 161-163. A popular version of the author's well-known contention that the section in the treatise "De mirabilibus auscultationibus" (Pseudoaristotle) describing the

~ silverish iron smelted from the Pontic magnetite sands, in fact, refers to an iron~nickel alloy pre­pared by adding chloanthite (deposits of wmch have not yet heen identified up to the present day).

J. PIASKOWSKI - B. BRYNIARSKA: Application of a microprobe analysis to the examination of ancient iron objects. Organon 14 1980, 283-307. Microprobe analyses of welded-up iron arti­facts (knives and axes) selected from groups previously examined, dating from different periods. Attention is drawn to variations in phosporus content and, in the case of HalIstatt axes from JczieTzyce and Wictrzno D6brka, to the nickel-containing strips.

J . SELIRAND: Dber das friihmittelaltcrliche Schmiedehandwerk in Estland [In German: On the early medieval blacksmith's craft in Estonia.) Festschrift for Herman Hinz, Offa 37 1980, 208-211. A short survey of the types of iron implements of the 11th/12th centuries AD. Pattern­welded lance heads.

321

J. YPEY; A Sword with Damascened Blade from Dorestad~ Hoogstraat I. In: W. A. van Es: Excavations at Dorestad 1. The Harbour: Hoogstrant. Amersfoort 1980, 190-206. No metaUo· graphic analysis. Discussion of pattern welding based on own experiments. The Dorestad specimen belongs to the Petersen 2 type, 8th century AD. Chemical composition.

B. Iron as mentioned in o,her publications

T. CAPELLE: Bemerkungen zum islandischen Handwerk in der Wikingerzeit und im l\.Httelalter. [In German: Notes on handicraCts in Iceland during the Viking period and the Middle Ages .] FriihmittelaIterliche Studien 14 1980, 423-436. The 10th- 12th centuries AD were marked by autarchy in the supply of various goods to individual homesteads. Nevertheless, there is evidence of smithing activities in coastal settlement areas: isolated finds of blacksmith~s tongs and heavy anvils (museum of Skogar) and well preserved smithies as parts of farms (Stong in Thorsjatal, with a stone quenching tank and anvil base). Blacksmiths arc also mentioned in the sagas.

N. CHIDIO~AN: Depozitul de unelte de fier descoperit in a~ezarea dacica de le Ta~ad, comune Dragesti, judctul Bihor. Summary: Le depot d'objets en fer deeouvert dans le habitat dacique de Ta~ad, etc. [A Dacian iron hoard from T. etc.] Crisia 10 1980 (Oradea), 55-64. A hoard con· sisting of a socketed axe~ socketed chisel, 5 sickles and a spearhead socket discovered together with a rotary qucrn in a hut, dating from the years about O.

E. H. HOFSETH (MIS): Fjellressursenes betydning i yngre jemaldeIS okonomi - Sammenligncn. de studie av bygdene 9st og vest for vannskiIlet i Nord·Gudbrandsdal. Summary: The importance of Mountain Resources in Younger Iron Age Economy - A comparative analysis of communities east and west of the watershed in Nord~Gudbrand5daI. Arkeologisk Museum i Stavanger-Skriftcr 5. Stavangersine anno,post 1980. The populations in the eastern part, having no access to the sea, were more dependent upon exploitation of the mountains and forests. Chapter 8.2 deals with iron­smelting activities, attested many years ago by Dannevig Hauge. A newly discovered site at 0vre Sjodalsvann (6th-8th centuries AD) is mentioned.

M. M "OLLER·WILLE: Ein Barrcnhort aus Haithabu [In German: A hoard of iron bars from Haithabu, Federal Germany.] Festschrift for Hermann Hinz, Offa 37 1980. 129-115. A hoard of 18 tongue-shaped flat bars of thc Miistermyr typc (length ca 44 cm, weight 440-916 g), dating from the 10th/ 11th centuries AD. A comparative study of the distribution of different types of Scandinavian iron bars.

S. TEODOR (~frs): Das Werkzeugdepot von Lozna (Kr. Bolo,ani). [In German: A hoard of imple· ments from Lozna, distr. of Boto~ani, Roumania.] Daeia N. S. 24 1980, 133-150. The final publication of a large iron hoard consisting of 56 artifacts (agricultural jmpl('ments~ blacksmith's tools, wood-working implements and domestic utensils, several weapons). datcd to the lnst two centuries BC (corresponding with the La Tene period, with analogies in the Celtic world). Pre­sumably Geto-Dacian origin.

E. ZAITZ: Zelazne grzywny siekieropodobne z ul. Kanoniczej 13 w Krakowie. [In Polish: Axe· .. shaped iron bars from the Kanonicza Street at Krakow, Poland.] Wiadomosci Numizmntyczne 24/11980,24-28. The buge hoard consisting of 4212 bars, representing 3630 kg of iron, is believed to date from the mid-9th century AD. For a morc detailed preliminary report, see our Corn. No 25, AR 32 1980, 327-328.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1981 <as in November 1981)

A. Specialized items

322

ARCHAEOLOGICAL NEWS IN THE CZECH SOCIALIST REPUBLIC (X· Congre, Inter­national des Sciences prchistoriques et protohistoriques, Mexico 1981). Prague-Blno 1981. This volume, which presents recent results of archaeology in Bohemia and ]'foravia, contains the following papers relating to the earliest history of iron: R- Pleine" Metallograpby of La Tene period iron implements from the Celtic oppida, 106-107. A summary of a paper being published shortly in the journal Pamatky archeologicke, Prague. V. Souchopova (Mrs) - t K. Ludikovsky: An extensive iron smelting centre of the Late Roman period at Sudice, Mala-Rana Region (Moravia), 129-131. The discoveries havc been already published in several articles quoted in our communications. Z. Smri: Early Roman~Period settlement at Kyjice, N~'~Bohemia, 120 to 124. A note on numerous bloomery furnaces and workshops (see our Comm. No 23, AR 31 1979, 316). K. Motylwva (Mrs): The excavation of a Roman Age (sic) settlement at Ofech, district of Prague-West, 118-119. A note on several sunken floored bloomeries (sce our Corn. No 23, p. 316-317).

H. BILKOVA (Mr5): Kovacstvo v oblasti Starej Turej. Summary: Smith's profession in the Region of Stara Tura. Zbornik Slovenskeho niirodneho muzea 75, EtnograflO, 1981, 188-209. An ethno­graphical study which attempts to apply systems analysis to the blacksmith's craft at Stani Tun'i, Slovakia, in terms of specialization, tool kit, and function in the late 19th century.

S. BLOMGREN - E. THOLANDER: The iron bar of the Mediaeval candlestick "SJUSTAKEN" in the Storkyrkan Cathedral in Stockholm. Scandinavian Journal of Metallurgy 10 1981, 127-133. A large (21 cm) specimen was taken from the 350 cm long iron bar, weighing 50-60 kg (late 15th century?). Complex examination revealed that the entire piece was welded together from very small individual blooms, interpreted as osmunds. In the area of the specimen alone there '-I.'ere no fewer than seven, which differed in phosphorus content (max. 0.76%), The carburization was heterogeneous, not exceeding 0.25 % C. The amount of entrapped slag was considerable (10- 15% ). The authors believe that the artifact could have bcen forged in Germany from Scandinavian blooms.

C. W. BREWER see Historical Metallurgy (below).

C. EIBNER: Fcistawicse, Gem. :Eisenerz, (Stcicrrnark) - keine Tomische Eisenverhtiuuug'. [In German: Feistawiese - no Roman iron ~meltilJg.] Pro Austria Romana. Nachrichtenhlatt fur die Forschungsarbeit lib er die Romerzeit Osterreichs 31/1-3 1981, 4. 'The well-known stone­-walled furnace remains, the reconstruction of which appe,ars in many publications on cHrly iron and which were believed to he Late Roman, 'yielded some specimens for radiocarbon dating before destmction of the site by the quarrying of the Erzborg. The dating was ,hown to be 131l<1th centuries AD.

E. R. GEBHARD see Historical Metallurgy (below).

HISTORICAL METALLURGY 15/1 1981. From the contents: C. JF. Breuer: MetaUograpllic Examination of Medieval and Post-Medieval Iron Armour, 1-8. Brf3stplates. eonts of mail, Turkish plate armour, spurs and cross-bow bolts from ]4th-]6th centuries. A coat of rnail (Switzerland, 15/16th centuries) from drawn wire rings, subsequently hardened. deserves spe-cial mention. W. Rostoker - E. R. Gebhard: Iron smeltiIlg at IstJlmia, 4]-44,. Specimens from the 50 kg deposit from the pre-5th century BC feature wen investigatl::d. Typical bloomery slag, melting at about 1200-1300 cC. Slight Cu and Pb contents (0.059% Cu).

INSTITUT FiJ'R HARTEREI-TECHNIK, BREMEN-LESUM: Untersuchung dcr Scblackcn­funde von der Feddersen Wierde [In German: Investigation of slag finds from Feddersen WierrJe, Federal Germany.] In: Einzeluntersuchungen zur Foddersen Wierdc (Fcdder"n Wierde HI,

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W . . Haarnagel cd.). Wiesbaden 1981, 153-164, Tafel 42-52. The complex excavation of the Wurt-type settlement of the Roman period at Fcddersen Wicrde, NW Germany, is being followed up by detailed scientific studies to analyse various types of materiaL A group from the Institut ftir Harterei-Technik, headed by O. Schaaber, supplied detailed analyses of Dumerous slag specimens dispersed over a wide arca of the WlLrt. From the results of the chemical, X-ray diffrac­tiOll~ and mineralogical analyses the authors concluded that the specimens investigated derive from a blacksmith's hearth or reheating furnace rather than from a reducing bloomery. Although the FeO content ill relevant samples exceeds 40% the microstructural light phase is described as magnetite instead of wiistite.

Z. KLANICA sec Prehled vyzkumu 1977 (below).

A. LEUBE: Germanische Rostofen zur Eisengewinnung aus Waltersdorf, Kr. Konigs W\1ster~ hausen. [In German: Teutonic roasting hearths for iron production from Waltcrsdorf.] Aus~ grabungen und Funde 26/2 1981, 90-92. In the industrial part of a settlement dating from the 3rd-5th centuries AD a post-built hut was discovered which was surrounded by 51 flat pilil paved with stones showing traces of heating. Pieces of charcoal were found among the stones, but not in any great number. Pieces of iron slag - analysed by J. Eibisch (see p. 320 above) -were found in the area but also in very small quantities. No precise interpretation is possible, although the author of the paper is inclined to see these as hearths for orc roasting.

K. LUDIKOVSKY see Archaeological News (p. 323 above)

K. LUDIKOVSKY (bis) see Prehlcd vyzkumu 1977 (p. 325 below)

K. MOTYKOVA (Mrs) see Archaeological News (p. 323 above)

P. - L. PELET: uL'archeologie industrielle." Science Oll fiction? Industrial archaeology: SCIence or fiction? Schweizerische Zeitschrift fUr Geschichte 31 1981, 22-42. Thc briti,h concept of industrial archaeology, concerned mainly with the standing features of post-medieval mass production, is challenged by a broader interpretation of "l'archcologic industricllc", covcring the vestiges of large-scale produ('tion, investigated archaeologically, in which the smelting of iron plays an important role.

P. - L. PELET: Un survol de I'hi,toirc du fer dans le pays de Vaud. [In French: A survey of history of iron in the Vaud, Switzerland.) Minaria Helvetica 1 1981, 17-28. Newly established journal devoted to mineral resources and their exploitation in Switzerland. Mining of limonite and hematite evidenced since La Time and Roman periods. The 13th century AD saw furnaces of the Stiickofen type in the valleys of small streams; first blast furnace in 1461, at St. Sulpice near NeuchateI.

R. PLEINER see Archaeological News (p. 323 above)

PREHLED vYZKUMU 1977 (Brno 1980). This volume contains several short notes on bloomery or smithing activity: K. Ludikovsky - V. Souchopova: Vysledky treH sezony vjzkumu hutnicke obJasti v Sudicich (okr. Blansko), summary: Ergebnissc der dritten Grabungssaison in der Ver­huttungsregion in Sudice, Bez. Blansko [Third season of excavations at the Sudice bloomcry area, Roman Period), 51-52; Z. Klanica: Depot zeleznych pi'edmetll v Hodonine, summary: Depot von EisengegensHinden in Hodonin, Bez. Hodonin, [A hoard of iron objects found at Rodonin, battle axe, plough-share, iron pan, presumably 8th/9th centuries AD), 71; V. Souchopova (Mr'): Velkomoravska hutnicka dilna u Olomucan, summary: Gro8mahrische Verhiittungswerkstatte bei OIomucany (Bez. Blansko), [A Great Moravian bloomcry at Olomucany near Blansko, 9th

324

century AD]. 44-45; K. Ludikovsky : ZelezMsH vyhHvacka v Drvalovicich-Vanovicich (okr. Blansko), summary: Ausheizherd fur Eisenverhiittung in Drvalo'\ .. ice-Vanovice (Bez. Blnnsko), 63-64. A long rectangular hearth filled with slags and charcoal (ca 2 X 5 m). undated; presum· ably for roasting or reheating.

M. PRINC: Dilna kovare na oppidu v Hradisti u Ceskych Lhoti.; Summary: S.hrniedc auf dem oppidum Hradiste bei Ceske Lhoti.e. A smithy in the oppidum of HradiSte near Ceske Lhoti ••. In: Praehistorica VIII, Varia Archaeologica 2, Caroline University Prague - in honour of the 80th anniversary of the birth of Jan Filip. Praha 1981. 209-215. Traces of a hut with a stone anvil, harnrnerscale and a quantity of iron scrap and semiproducts (iron wire fibulae, lock fittings) . Working of non-ferrous mctals (crucible). Dating: ISO-50 BC. La Tene period.

W. ROSTOKER see E. R. Gebhard (p. 323 above).

Z. SAIRZ see Archaeological News (p. 323 above).

M. SONNECKEN: Frtihmittelalterliche Rennfeuerverhiittung bei A1tcna entdeckt. Ein Grabungsbericht. [In German: An early medieval bloomery discovered at Altena, Federal Gcrma~ ny. Excavation report.] Der Marker 30/3 1981, 90- 91. 300 slag heaps recorded at Krummcn­scheid, near Altena. Two superimposed bloomery furnaces excavated (diameter 35 X 35 cm, shaft standing to 50 cm; bellows bed at the left side); hematitic ore. Radiocarbon dates indicate AD 660-760.

v. SOUCHOpovA (Mrs) see Archaeological News (p. 323 above).

V. SOUCHopovA (Mrs) see PieWed vy.kum,; 1977 (p. 324 above).

G. SPERL: Untcrsuchungen zur Metallurgie dcr Etmsket. [In Gcrman: Investigations in the Etruscan metallurgy.] In: L'Etruria l\Hneraria - Atti del XII convegno di studi etruschi e italici, Fircn.e-Populonia-Piombino 16-20 giugno 1979. Firenze 1981, 29-50. A thorough study based on detailed chemical and mineralogical analyses of copper and bloomery slags from the area around Populonia and Campiglia Maritima. The exploitation of the mainland copper sulphi­des by the Etruscans was followed by the smelting of the hematites and Iimonitcs of Elba on a large scale. The two industries were closely related technologically. The author concludcs that the metallurgical process was more efficiently controlled in the initial stage of production than in the later large-scale industry (heavy losses of iron in slags).

E. THOLANDER see S. Blomgren (p. 323 above).

R. F. TYLECOTE: From pot bellows to tuyeres. Levant 13 1981, 107- 118. Different types of blowing pipe as well as elbow and straight tuyere tubes for both copper smelting and iron heating are discussed in the light of Cypriot and other finds. Problems of valves and continuous blowing (twin tuyeres etc.).

A. R. WILLIAMS: Four helms of the fourteenth century compared. The Journal of the Arms and Armour Society 10/3 1981, 80-102. Two of the specimens examined come frolll the graves of known historical personalities. Carburized and banded iron helms as well as soft wrought-iron examples are reported. Investigations of two German breastplates, also from the 14th century, are included. The medium~carbon steel of the latter seems to be of a better quality than cuirasses from the 17th century.

B. Iron as mentioned in other publications

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V. HRUB~' . K. MARES ovA (Mr.) : Velkomorav,ke Stare Me,to. Summary: D., groflmahrische Siedlungszentrum Stare Mesto. The Great Moravian site of Stare Mesto. Brno, sine aono. A guide to the exhibition in the Moravian Museum at Bmo (1980/81) devoted to the results of more than thirty years of excavations at Stare Mesto, within the area of which iron-working plants were discovered. Blacksmith's tools, tongs, and hammers, not yet published (fig. 28).

K. M..4.RESOVA see V. Hruby (above)

S. WEBER (Mrs): Dber handwerkliche Spezialisten in den Leges Barbarorum. In German: On craftsmen in the Leges Barbarorum. Ethnographisch-archaologische Zcitschrift 22 1981, 209- 220. Blacksmith's status in the Leges AJamanorum, Francorum, Burgundionum. Speciali­sation process (spatharius).

Note: The editor is grateful to Dr H. Cleere, London , for kindly reading the manuscript, and to Prof. R . F . Ty/.ecole who helpfully sends him in advance the drafts of the bibliographical section of "Historical Metallurgy" (HM).