Search

The metallogenetic characteristics of the Iberian Peninsula are somewhat peculiar due to the availability of numerous small open-cast oxidic copper ore mineralisations exploited until recent times. Their study in relation to prehistoric metallurgy has a long tradition that is reflected in the archaeological literature. However, it is in recent decades that research has begun to provide precise data of great interest relating the geochemistry of the ores to archaeological metallurgical evidence by means of lead isotope analysis, all within the chronological framework provided by C14 dating of both mines and excavated prehistoric settlements. The data reported here present in an orderly fashion all available information covering the Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Balearic Islands, but it should be noted that there are a number of mine excavation projects underway which will hopefully provide more information when completed.

The authors had the good fortune to participate since 1993 in the research studies at the Bronze Age mining and metallurgical complex of Kargaly, thanks to the generous invitation by its director, Dr. Evgeni N. Chernykh. To be part of his team was an extremely enriching experience for them as scientists, bringing the authors into contact with the actual problems, traditions and practice of Russian archaeology in the context of such an important project. Furthermore, the experience was relevant in terms of the human and personal grounds. The participation in the Kargaly team allowed the authors to know first hand a group of colleagues with whom they have been linked since then by friendship, comradeship and intense and fruitful scientific exchange. This is the case of Serguey V. Kuzminykh. The authors learned a lot from him about science and life thanks to that extraordinary opportunity to share seasons of fieldwork in the steppe, working sessions in Moscow, and meetings in many other places. This paper is intended as an approach to that experience and a tribute to Kuzminykh as a scientist and as a person.