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This paper focuses on the study of a group of metal artefacts recently recovered during the archaeological excavations in Vila do Touro (Central Portugal), i.e., 19 artefacts and a small metallic inclusion embedded in a pottery sherd. The objects have been analysed by an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer to characterise the elemental composition of metal artefacts. A Scanning Electron Microscope with X-ray Microanalysis System and an optical microscope were used to observe and chemically characterise the metal inclusion in the pottery. The fragment of an ingot was also analysed by a multicollector Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to address issues bound to the provenance of raw material. The results revealed different compositional patterns (pure copper, binary bronze, i.e., Cu+Sn, leaded bronzes, i.e., Cu+Sn+Pb, and gold), while pointing out the Ossa Morena region (Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula) as likely source of copper used to produce the ingot.

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), Our understanding of early copper metallurgy in the Iberian Peninsula is mostly based on analysis from well-studied regions in the Southeast and Southwest. This paper focuses on two recently recovered Chalcolithic metallurgical assemblages outside these traditional research foci: two slagged crucibles from Lugar Viejo III (Zaragoza) and two large slag cakes from Cueva del Cañaveralejo (Córdoba). Analysis of the compositions and microstructures of the artifacts using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) suggests they are related to primary copper production, namely smelting in crucible-furnaces under relatively oxidizing conditions, as is standard for this period. The slag layers on crucibles from Lugar Viejo indicate the production of copper with minor amounts of arsenic, also typical for this period. Of special note is the use of organic temper in the crucibles from Lugar Viejo, a practice found at the nearby site of Moncín but rare at other sites in Iberia. However, the slags from Cueva del Cañaveralejo are atypical in their large size (approx. 125 g each), fayalitic composition, unusual efficiency as demonstrated by a low copper content, and lack of arsenic; furthermore, the high sulfur content raises the possibility of the use of sulfidic ores. Results from both sites are compared against published data from well-known sites such as Los Millares, Las Pilas, Almizaraque, and Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The new data from Lugar Viejo and Cueva del Cañaveralejo reinforce the interpretation of metallurgy in the Iberian Peninsula as a low-skilled, conservative technology but also indicate the need for more research into regional variations. (See Supplementary Data 1 for a summary in Spanish)., The authors are grateful for the technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU and European funding (ERDF and ESF). The write-up of this research was supported by a Cambridge International Scholarship from the Cambridge Trust and by funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 101021480, Project REVERSEACTION)

The authors are grateful for the technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU and European funding (ERDF and ESF). We are also in debt with Eduardo Galán, Ruth Maicas and Carmen Cacho, curators of the Museo Arqueológico Nacional (Madrid) for facilitating the sampling and study of metal objects as well as with Ignacio Soriano Llopis for his help on the selection and sampling of the Palmela points, with Massimo Chiaradia who performed the analyses of the Palmela points at the Department of Earth Sciences (University of Geneva, Switzerland) and with Óscar García Vuelta for his pictures of some assemblages. We also appreciate and the careful work of editing and style of the TP editorial team., The role of metallurgy in the Copper Age communities of the Iberian Southeast is a recurrent question of archaeological research in western Europe. Based on lead isotope and trace element analyses of archaeometallurgical remains, this paper addresses the territorial organisation of metallurgical production during the Copper Age (3100-2200 cal BC) in the Vera Basin (Almería, Spain), the region with the earliest metallurgical evidence in western Europe. This paper comprises the study of materials from the three main settlements with metallurgical activity in the area (Las Pilas, Santa Bárbara and Almizaraque), as well as some metal objects from these and other sites (La Encantada I, Loma de Belmonte and Las Churuletas 1). The results support a model of small-scale regional production whereby settlements exploited the resources of their nearby surroundings (up to 30 km as the crow flies). However, metallurgical exploitation prioritised mineralisations rich in arsenic and other elements, even when other sources were more readily accessible: for the case of Las Pilas, the exploitation of Pinar de Bédar sources instead of Sierra Cabrera, closer to the site; for the cases of Santa Bárbara and Almizaraque, the sources of Cerro Minado. The possibility that Almizaraque and Las Pilas also exploited the minerals of Herrerías, although to a lesser extent, remains open. Broader exchange networks are indicated by the data from finished objects, from which greater mobility can be inferred., El papel de la metalurgia en las comunidades de la Edad del Cobre del Sureste de la península ibérica es una cuestión recurrente en la investigación arqueológica en Europa occidental. A partir del análisis de isótopos de plomo y elementos traza de restos arqueometalúrgicos, este artículo aborda la organización territorial de la producción metalúrgica durante la Edad del Cobre (3100-2200 cal aC) en la cuenca de Vera (Almería, España); la región con las primeras evidencias metalúrgicas en Europa Occidental. Este artículo incluye el estudio de materiales de los tres principales asentamientos con actividad metalúrgica en la zona (Las Pilas, Santa Bárbara y Almizaraque), así como algunos objetos metálicos de estos y otros sitios (La Encantada I, Loma de Belmonte y Las Churuletas 1). Los resultados sustentan un modelo de producción regional a pequeña escala mediante el cual los asentamientos explotaron varios de los recursos de su entorno cercanos (hasta 30 km en línea recta). Se priorizaron las mineralizaciones ricas en arsénico y otros elementos, incluso cuando otras fuentes eran más accesibles: para el caso de Las Pilas, la explotación de las fuentes de Pinar de Bédar en lugar de las de Sierra Cabrera, más cercanas al yacimiento; y para los casos de Santa Bárbara y Almizaraque, las fuentes de Cerro Minado. La posibilidad de que tanto Almizaraque como Las Pilas también explotaran los minerales de Herrerías, aunque en menor medida, permanece abierta. La existencia de redes de intercambio más amplias queda reflejada por los datos de los objetos, a partir de los cuales se puede inferir una mayor movilidad., European funding (ERDF), European funding (ESF), This study was suported by the following sources of funding: a Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship (PN623183) funded within the 7th European Community Framework Programme; two Research and Development (R&D) projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities: “Metal and amber: Models of raw materials circulation in Iberian Recent Prehistory” (HAR2017-82685-R) and “Tecnología y Sociedad. Las primeras artesanías de las comunidades neolíticas en Andalucía oriental entre el VI y el III milenio a.n.e” (HAR 2016-78197-P); and a Research Excellence Chair 2011-2016 “Activités minières et métallurgiques: anthropisation des milieux et productions matérielles”, funded by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).

The copper ingots from the underwater site off Rochelongue, near Cap d’Agde, on the coast of West Languedoc, offer an exciting means to investigate coastal mobility and cultural interaction between southern France and the broader western Mediterranean basin in the Early Iron Age. This paper presents the results of elemental and lead isotope analyses of a selection of copper ingots from the Rochelongue site, along with several ingots from the Iberian Peninsula, and for the first time demonstrates that their composition is consistent with Iberian and Alpine metalliferous mineral sources, and possibly some Mediterranean sources as well. The Rochelongue site also speaks to the likely role of indigenous societies of Languedoc in the movement of metals between Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean circuits. The Rochelongue ingot metal thus provides a window into expansive networks of trade contacts that must be evaluated alongside typological and cultural data.

En 2019 se recuperó en la motilla de El Retamar la única alabarda argárica de la Meseta; es el primer arma especializada en la Cultura de las Motillas. El hallazgo se produjo en un contexto no funerario -el Corte A-, asociado a recipientes cerámicos, un horno y semillas (trigo harinero y duro, cebada vestida, escanda melliza y lino). El arma, de 118 g y 15,7 cm, cuenta con dos remaches y es de hoja asimétrica. Puede clasificarse dentro del tipo San Antón (tipo 2 de Lull), con paralelos formales similares en la alabarda de la tumba 999 de El Argar o en otra de la colección Gómez-Moreno. La pieza no contiene estaño; es de cobre arsenicado (3,4% As), con porcentajes significativos de plomo y plata (2-3% Pb; 0,47% Ag). El análisis de sus isótopos de plomo revela la probable procedencia del área minera de Linares (Jaén). La datación de la madera del enmangue (Beta-591414, 3590±30, 2010-1895 cal BC) fecha la alabarda en el primer siglo del segundo milenio cal BC. Este hallazgo confirma que las poblaciones argáricas y del Bronce de La Mancha establecieron intensas redes de intercambio, por las que circularon objetos de alto valor social, como el marfil, la copa argárica de La Encantada o la alabarda de la motilla de El Retamar., The only Argaric halberd of the Meseta was recovered in the motilla of El Retamar in 2019. This find represents the first specialized weapon of the Motilla Culture. The find was retrieved from a non-funerary context (sondage A) in association with ceramic containers, an oven and seeds from cultivated species (free-threshing wheats, hulled barley, emmer wheat and flax). The 118 g and 15.7 cm weapon has two rivets and an asymmetric blade; no evidence of impact is observed on its edge. It can be classified within the San Antón type (Lull type 2), with similar formal parallels with the halberd from tomb 999 from El Argar and with another one from the Gómez-Moreno collection. The piece does not contain tin being made of arsenic copper (3.4% As) with significant percentages of lead and silver (2-3% Pb; 0.47% Ag). Lead isotopic analyses reveal its probable origin in the Linares mining area (Jaén). A radiocarbon date of wood remains from the shaft (Beta-591414, 3590 ± 30, 2010-1895 cal BC) places the halberd at the beginning of the second millennium cal BC. This finding confirms that the Argaric and Bronze Age populations of La Mancha established intense exchange networks, through which objects of high social value circulated, such as ivory, the Argaric cup of La Encantada or the halberd of the motilla of El Retamar., Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha Ayuntamiento de Argamasilla de Alba SBPLY/19/180801/000070, I+D REDISCO (HAR2017-88035-P), PID2019-108289GB-I00, (A-HUM-123-UGR18) FEDER 2018

La aparición en escena de un nuevo depósito compuesto por siete hachas planas en Yunclillos (Toledo) permite ampliar la escasa muestra de un tipo peculiar de utensilio, caracterizado por su gran tamaño y por su reducido perfil. Se analiza el fenómeno de los depósitos de hachas planas en la península ibérica y pese a la ausencia de un contexto arqueológico de referencia, la tipología y la composición elemental parecen indicar que los depósitos pueden corresponder a un momento inicial de la Edad del Bronce. A new hoard with 7 flat axes found in Yunclillos (Toledo) offers a new perspective about a specific type of axe characterized by its long size and thin section. A reflection about flat axes hoarding in the Iberian Peninsula, most of them without archaeological context, let us propose an Early Bronze Age Chronology based on typological criteria and elemental composition. Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad HAR2017–82685–R Diputación de Toledo

Presentamos nuevos analisis de composicion elemental y de isotopos de plomo de artefactos metalicos de los yacimientos de El Calvari, La Tosseta y El Puig Roig. Estos datos, junto a otros publicados con anterioridad y los actualmente disponibles para el area launaciense, permiten una mejor definicion de la produccion y circulacion del metal en el nordeste peninsular durante la I Edad del Hierro. Aunque el cobre del area de Linares sigue siendo predominante, se documenta el aprovechamiento de cobre local y de recursos del sur de Francia, ademas del reciclaje de metal de diferentes procedencias.

Las excavaciones realizadas entre 2002 y 2004 en El Morredón, yacimiento del Bronce Final y la Primera Edad del Hierro situado en el valle del Huecha, Zaragoza, han permitido la revisión del yacimiento y el estudio de sus materiales inéditos mediante nuevas técnicas y metodologías. El repertorio metálico del yacimiento se identifica con un conjunto de ámbito doméstico, mayoritariamente realizado en bronce, de reducida tipología, en el que predominan los objetos de adorno seguidos de armas y útiles de trabajo. Con el objetivo de conocer la composición de estos materiales se han realizado análisis mediante fluorescencia de rayos X –XRF–. Se ha documentado la presencia de dos aleaciones distintas: bronce binario de Cu-Sn y ternario, Cu-Sn-Pb. Esta composición apunta posibles conexiones con el Bajo Ebro y, a su vez, con la Meseta Sur, Levante o Andalucía, mientras la tipología de algunas piezas parece vinculada a la tradición del Bronce Atlántico o Centroeuropeo. La producción metalúrgica que se desarrolló en el propio poblado es una muestra más de la confluencia de tradiciones: mediterránea y atlántica, que cada vez se detecta con mayor claridad e intensidad en este territorio.

Funder: Institute for Archaeometallurgical Studies, Established around 575 BC, Emporion was a Greek colonial enclave in north-east Iberia and hence constitutes a good context to study Mediterranean innovations and their adaptation with indigenous technologies. Here, we present an analytical study of the archaeometallurgical assemblage from a workshop context dated to the first occupational moment of Emporion’s Neapolis (second half of the sixth century BC), including slag and technical ceramics. We aimed at reverse engineering the copper and tin bronze metallurgical technologies at the site. The results allow the identification of copper smelting and melting, and a variety of bronze alloying techniques, together with iron smelting and forging. The use of Fe-rich copper ores with BaO, ZnO and PbO impurities is consistent with the exploitation of local sources, preceding the diversification of raw materials documented for later phases. The co-occurrence of co-smelting, cementation and co-melting as bronze making technologies is discussed with reference to parameters of efficiency and cost-effectiveness and contextualised in the broader colonial interaction, providing pointers for future comparative work and discussion. The early use of metallic tin for bronze production at the site supports a Mediterranean origin for this innovation in Iberia.

[EN] We present here the discovery of a burial containing two Late Bronze bracelets at Cigales, Valladolid, during the construction of the Channel of Castile in 1832. This burial is associated with the nearby site of Sopeña, dating to the beginning of the Soto Culture or Formative Soto. We look at the typology of the bracelets, their composition and the origin of the metal used to produce them. Furthermore, the article also discusses the funerary practices at the transition of the Bronze to Iron Age in the Middle Duero basin., [ES] Se informa del hallazgo en 1832 de un enterramiento con dos brazaletes del Bronce Final en Cigales (Valladolid). Realizado durante las obras del Canal de Castilla, se vincula al yacimiento de Sopeña, de los inicios de la Cultura del Soto o Soto Formativo. Además de la tipología de los objetos, se estudian su composición y la procedencia del metal en que fueron fundidos. Por último, el hallazgo se presta a debatir sobre el ritual funerario del tránsito Edad del Bronce-Edad del Hierro en el valle medio del Duero, El trabajo se ha realizado en el marco del proyecto de investigación del Plan Nacional subvencionado por el Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Programa estatal de investigación, desarrollo e innovación orientada a los retos de la sociedad HAR2017-84142-R: “Producción y deposición masiva de bronces plomados en la transición Bronce Final - Edad del Hierro de la Europa atlántica”.

We present the results of an examination of a group of gold-work from the Later Iron Age “Castro Culture” in the Archeological Museum of Asturias that was insufficiently studied from a documental and archaeometric point of view. Our work centered mainly on non-destructive analyses and the topographic revision of these objects and has allowed us to obtain new information regarding their production technology. We highlight the identification of new examples of mercury gilding. Our work also illustrates the difficulties surrounding the study of these types of objects., Se presentan los resultados de la revisión de un grupo de piezas de orfebrería castreña de la II Edad del Hierro conservadas en el Museo Arqueológico de Asturias, que en su mayor parte permanecían insuficientemente estudiadas desde el punto de vista documental y arqueométrico. Este trabajo, centrado principalmente en el análisis no destructivo y la revisión topográfica de los objetos, aporta nuevos datos sobre su tecnología de elaboración. Destaca la identificación de nuevos ejemplos de aplicación de dorado por amalgama de mercurio. La labor realizada supone también un buen ejemplo de las dificultades existentes para el estudio de este tipo de materiales.

We report lead isotope data for cinnabar from three Chalcolithic settlements and several ore deposits in the Iberian Peninsula. Lead isotope ratios of cinnabar (vermilion) employed in one Bell Beaker grave at Humanejos (Madrid) plot in the field of the Almaden mining district. Cinnabar from the La Velilla dolmen (Palencia) also plots in the isotopic field of Almaden ores but is also comparable to the closer Miñera de Luna deposit in the Cantabrian Ranges. Cinnabar used in the dolmen of Montelirio (Seville) has an unknown origin, as its new lead isotope ratios obtained do not match with any of the studied ore deposits. We conclude that cinnabar was a well‐known raw material and several ore deposits were mined in the Iberian Peninsula during the Chalcolithic. The societies established at the northern and central parts of the peninsula employed locally sourced cinnabar (, Universidad del País Vasco; European ScienceFoundation; European Regional DevelopmentFund; Regional Government of Madrid,Grant/Award Number: S2007/HUM-543

© 2019, The Author(s). The origins of the silver trade across the Mediterranean, and the role of the Phoenicians in this phenomenon, remain contentious. This is partly because of difficulties encountered when trying to assign archaeological silver to its geological sources. Here we present a reanalysis of Iron Age silver hoards in the southern Levant, which demonstrates not only that recycling of silver was widespread in the Early and Late Iron Age, but that the components of this mixed silver originated from the Aegean, Anatolia and the western Mediterranean. An assessment of lead isotope analyses combined with compositional data allows the identification of mixing lines based on gold levels in the silver and the Pb crustal age (or, more loosely, geological age) of the ore from which the silver originated. It is shown that, from as early as the 11th century BC, these mixed silver signatures derive from the Taurus mountains in Anatolia, from Iberia and an unknown source—with Sardinia as an additional possibility—and Laurion in Greece in the Late Iron Age. In contrast to copper, which was deliberately alloyed with silver, gold appears to have been mixed unintentionally, through the melting down of silver objects with gold parts. It is suggested that vertical mixing lines (with constant Pb crustal age but variable Au), may indicate the melting down and mixing of silver in times of unrest, both here and in other contexts. Gold and lead concentrations in the silver indicate that native silver from Iberia was most likely used in the Early Iron Age, suggesting that the first people to convey silver to the southern Levant were not miners but traders who had acquired silver directly from the indigenous Bronze Age inhabitants of Iberia. However, evidence of the exploitation of jarosite also supports that silver ore mining and cupellation was ongoing in Iberia at a similar time, and continued in the Late Iron Age—potentially a result of technological transfer from the East. In essence, the western Mediterranean origin of the silver in these Early Iron Age southern Levantine hoards supports an emerging picture of Mediterranean interactions and trade relations in the increasingly bright Dark Ages (c. 1200–800 BC).

A fragment of a silver ingot recovered from the Phoeni-cian settlement of La Rebanadilla, near Malaga, in south-east Iberia has been investigated using lead isotope and compo-sitional analyses. The ingot, which was found at the lowest levels of the site, potentially dates from 11th-9th century BC, placing it alongside the hoards of hacksilver found in the southern Levant in terms of chronology. The Pb crustal age (from lead isotope data) and compositional data support that the ingot derives from Hercynian-age ores with high bismuth concentrations. This signature is consistent with the Pyritic belt of south-west Iberia, particularly around the ancient mining areas of Riotinto. It is proposed that the silver for this ingot was extracted from jarosite ores at Riotinto, where it was coarsely refined through cupellation into an ingot still retaining high levels of lead, before being transported to La Rebanadilla, which was a potential point of departure back to the Phoenician homeland. The significance of transporting silver in a form which would have required further refining is discussed in relation to the movement of silver by the Phoenicians in the Iron Age Mediterranean. A new mecha-nism is proposed to explain the elusive nature of Iberian silver in the archaeological record.

A rare open shallow crucible from the British Museum collection, excavated at the Bronze Agesite of El Argar in south-east Spain by Louis and Henri Siret, was studied using X-radiographyand scanning electron microscopy. The crucible has relatively thick walls, a spout and a non-refractory fabric. It was used for melting copper alloys for various possible purposes, such asalloying, refining, recycling or before casting, at around 1100°C. Both arsenic and tin weredetected in various places and concentrations in the analysed specimens. This crucible couldhave been used during the period of transition from arsenic-rich copper to tin bronzes in the ElArgar culture, or used for the recycling of arsenic-rich copper artefacts being alloyed with tinto produce tin bronzes. This melting crucible is a rare example of its kind to have been inves-tigated scientifically, as most crucibles from contemporary sites on the Iberian Peninsula aregenerally associated with smelting. This study has also crucially shed more light on the typesof alloys and variety of activities undertaken during that transitional period between the use ofarsenical copper and tin bronzes in this region, Thefinal version of this paperwas supported by the research project (grant number HAR2017-82685-R):‘Metal y ámbar:modelos de circulación de materias primas en la Prehistoria Reciente de la península ibérica'

Eleven biconical vessels from the Copper Age sites Pietrele and Blejeşti (Romania) have been investigated using p-XRF. In most cases, traces of lead could be measured on their surfaces. Samples of slag-like material from two vessels and the clay of one vessel were investigated using laboratory methods, namely SEM, XRD, LIA and optical microscopy. The vessels were obviously used as a kind of crucible in which slag-like remains and galena ore were detected. It still remains unclear as to what final product was gained by smelting galena in this way. The amount of these such vessels in the Pietrele settlement, their appearance as grave goods in Pietrele and Vărăști (Romania), and their supposed occurrence in a number of other Copper Age settlements in Romania and Bulgaria show the significance of this phenomenon. It must have been a widespread and more or less well known practice, an important part of cultural habit during a particular period in the Lower Danube region and likely even farther afield. For the first time, extensive experimentation with lead ore can be shown in a clear chronological horizon, ca. 4400–4300 BCE in southeastern Europe., Funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft HA2410-9.

The extraction of silver has traditionally been considered as one of the main incentives for the Phoenician expansion throughout the Mediterranean and their settlement in Iberia. In this paper, we approach the organization of silver production in Iberia during the Early Iron Age through the study of the evidence of production currently available and the development of Lead Isotope Analysis (LIA). Previous results (Hunt 2003; Stos Gale 2001; Kassianidou 1992) are considered in the light of new data. The extraction of silver from complex minerals noticeably intensifies in south-west Iberia. Imports of exogenous lead, needed for the extraction of silver from these complex minerals, are evident. Supplies of lead come in from other regions of Iberia, such as Gador, Cartagena/Mazarron, Linares or even the mining district of Molar-Belmunt-Falset (MBF) in Catalonia. This picture reveals that the organization of silver production was much more complex than initially thought, with the articulation of an exchange network of raw materials at a macro-territorial scale embracing almost all Iberia. The socioeconomic implications that control of these networks of lead distribution could have had are also discussed.

Traditionally, archaeometallurgical projects have visualised information through distribution maps of the find spots for different metal compositions or types of objects. However, this is limiting, and more innovative styles of communication are required to engage with more dynamic technological questions such as what underpins the use and circulation of metal. This paper compares four ways to process and represent the archaeometallurgical chemical composition dataset for Copper Age Iberia, and the different conclusions they tend to support. Using distribution maps, the wide spread of arsenical copper is clear, however more nuanced features are obscured. Through employing ubiquity analysis, with regular or irregular grids, it is possible to understand the relative importance of arsenical copper within the local consumption of metal, and how this relates to local extraction. While Relative Risk maps can suggest links between metal circulation and geographical features, particularly rivers. Rather than just being an aesthetic concern, we aim to demonstrate that visualisation of georeferenced data is an important research method., The third author (PB) was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (ERC-2014-ADG - FLAME (670010)), and by a Senior Research Fellowship from the University of Reading. All the maps of the article were drawn using ESRI ArcMap 10.5.1.

El número de análisis de objetos metálicos antiguos y tardoantiguos está incrementándose de manera exponencial en los últimos años; entre ellos despiertan especial interés las monedas, no sólo por la tradición de estudios numismáticos, sino por la información que estas investigaciones pueden proporcionar sobre el origen de los metales empleados, poniendo en relación minas y monedas. La combinación de análisis elementales y análisis de isótopos de plomo está en la base de la caracterización de su composición. Proponemos en este trabajo, por una parte, presentar una serie de datos y conclusiones provisionales a partir de las composiciones y, por otro lado, plantear de manera crítica los límites y perspectivas de este tipo de trabajos: presentación de los datos, identificación del reciclaje, relación con políticas estatales o con formas de gestión de las minas. Le nombre d’études analytiques sur des objets métalliques anciens et de l’Antiquité tardive ne cesse de croître ; parmi elles, les analyses des monnaies suscitent un intérêt particulier, d’un côté par la tradition des études numismatiques et, de l’autre, par les informations que ce type de recherches fournit sur l’origine des métaux employés. La combinaison des analyses élémentaires et des analyses isotopiques du plomb constitue la base de la caractérisation de leur composition. Dans cet article, nous proposons d’une part la présentation d’une série de données sur la composition et, d’autre part, une discussion sur les limites et les perspectives de ce type de travaux : la présentation des données, l’identification du recyclage, le rapport avec les politiques de l’État ou avec les pratiques de gestion des mines. The number of analyses of ancient and late-antiquity metal objects has been growing exponentially in recent years; of particular interest among these are coins, not only for the tradition of numismatic studies but especially for the information that these studies can provide on the origin of the metals used, thus furnishing a nexus between mines and coins. The characterisation of coin composition is based on a combination of elementary and lead isotope analyses. This study proposes on the one hand to present a series of data and provisional conclusions based on composition data, and on the other hand to take a critical look at the limitations and perspectives of studies of this kind: presentation of data, identification of recycling, relationship with state policies or with mine management practices.

[EN] Tierras de Antequera is located between the two main research foci of the Iberian Late Prehistory: the Southwest and the Southeast. This peripheral nature, coupled with a shortage of metallurgical evidence in the area, contributed to generalize the idea that Malaga was systematically importing metals from other regions. However, the Project Investigación Arqueometalúrgica de la Provincia de Málaga showed the existence of both copper outcrops potentially exploitable by prehistoric societies, as well as significant archaeometallurgical by-products in several sites from the 3rd and 2nd millennium bc. Moreover, recent archaeological excavations have documented prehistoric metallurgical by-products in the core of Tierras de Antequera. This fact has forced us to reassess the topic and rethink our hypothesis on the models of copper production by these communities. In this paper we review prehistoric archaeometallurgical evidence, present new elemental composition information as well as lead isotope analyses and, in light of recent findings, we approach the socio-economic role that copper production played in its broader Andalusian context and especially in relation to the two main metallurgical foci., [ES] La zona de Tierras de Antequera se sitúa entre los dos principales focos de investigación de la Prehistoria Reciente de la Península Ibérica: el so y el se. Este carácter limítrofe o periférico, unido a una tradicional escasez de evidencias metalúrgicas en la zona, contribuyó a generalizar la idea de que el metal malagueño era sistemáticamente importado de otras regiones. No obstante, a principios de los años 90 el Proyecto de Investigación Arqueometalúrgica de la Provincia de Málaga demostró la existencia de recursos minerales de cobre potencialmente explotables en la provincia, y de los principales elementos de la cadena de producción metalúrgica en varios yacimientos del iii y ii milenios ac. Asimismo, intervenciones arqueológicas recientes han vuelto a poner de actualidad la cuestión al documentar hallazgos de producción metalúrgica prehistórica en el corazón de las Tierras de Antequera, forzándonos a replantearnos nuestras teorías sobre el modelo de apropiación de recursos cupríferos de estas comunidades. En este trabajo revisamos las evidencias arqueometalúrgicas prehistóricas, presentamos nuevos datos de composición e isótopos de plomo, y a la luz de los últimos hallazgos realizamos una aproximación al papel socioeconómico que esta desempeñó, en su contexto andaluz y especialmente en relación a los principales focos metalúrgicos.

Se presenta el panorama seguido por la investigacion en la Peninsula Iberica con analisis de isotopos de plomo. Destaca el impulso recibido por este tipo de analisis desde los inicios del siglo XXI y se considera que actualmente ya estan consolidados como una tecnica utilizada por un amplio numero de investigadores y en tematicas diversas. El esfuerzo en estudiar los materiales arqueologicos ha estado acompanado tambien por un interes en caracterizar las zonas mineras y especialmente las minas con evidencias de actividad en la Antiguedad. Estos estudios sobre minerales complementan los realizados desde el campo de la Geologia. Se describen los principales temas de investigacion como han sido los origenes de la metalurgia, la plata en la Edad del Bronce, la metalurgia fenicia, el plomo en la Edad del Hierro, estudios numismaticos y los lingotes de epoca romana.

[EN] The number of analyses of ancient and late-antiquity metal objects has been growing exponentially in recent years; of particular interest among these are coins, not only for the tradition of numismatic studies but especially for the information that these studies can provide on the origin of the metals used, thus furnishing a nexus between mines and coins. The characterisation of coin composition is based on a combination of elementary and lead isotope analyses. This study proposes on the one hand to present a series of data and provisional conclusions based on composition data, and on the other hand to take a critical look at the limitations and perspectives of studies of this kind: presentation of data, identification of recycling, relationship with state policies or with mine management practices., [ES] El número de análisis de objetos metálicos antiguos y tardoantiguos está incrementándose de manera exponencial en los últimos años; entre ellos despiertan especial interés las monedas, no sólo por la tradición de estudios numismáticos, sino por la información que estas investigaciones pueden proporcionar sobre el origen de los metales empleados, poniendo en relación minas y monedas. La combinación de análisis elementales y análisis de isótopos de plomo está en la base de la caracterización de su composición. Proponemos en este trabajo, por una parte, presentar una serie de datos y conclusiones provisionales a partir de las composiciones y, por otro lado, plantear de manera crítica los límites y perspectivas de este tipo de trabajos: presentación de los datos, identificación del reciclaje, relación con políticas estatales o con formas de gestión de las minas., [FR] Le nombre d’études analytiques sur des objets métalliques anciens et de l’Antiquité tardive ne cesse de croître ; parmi elles, les analyses des monnaies suscitent un intérêt particulier, d’un côté par la tradition des études numismatiques et, de l’autre, par les informations que ce type de recherches fournit sur l’origine des métaux employés. La combinaison des analyses élémentaires et des analyses isotopiques du plomb constitue la base de la caractérisation de leur composition. Dans cet article, nous proposons d’une part la présentation d’une série de données sur la composition et, d’autre part, une discussion sur les limites et les perspectives de ce type de travaux : la présentation des données, l’identification du recyclage, le rapport avec les politiques de l’État ou avec les pratiques de gestion des mines.

The research presented in summary form here was fi nanced by the Catalan Regional Government and the Spanish State: El jaciment protohistòric del Calvari del Molar i l’àrea minerometal·lúrgica Molar-Bellmunt-Falset (2001–2011) and Mineria i Metal·lúrgia a la Catalunya meridional: de la Prehistòria a Època Medieval, 2014–2017 (Department of Culture, Catalan Regional Government), El área minero-metalúrgica Molar-Bellmunt-Falset en la Protohistoria (Ministry of Science and Innovation, HUM2004–04861-C03–01), El área minero-metalúrgica Molar-Bellmunt-Falset en la Protohistoria: contrastación de hipótesis (Ministry of Science and Innovation, HAR2007– 65725-C03–01), Procesos sociales, tecnológicos y económicos en la explotación de recursos minerales del Priorat (Cataluña): una visión diacrónica (Ministry of Science and Innovation, HAR2010–21105-C02–01) and Recursos minero-metálicos, intercambio y comercio en la Prehistoria y la Protohistoria peninsular (Cataluña y Norte de País Valenciano) (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, HAR2014–54012-P)

The first results of isotopic analyses are presented from a selection of samples of a galena nodule, lead droplets and copper-based objects from the Phoenician settlement of Abdera (Adra, Almeria). According to the lead isotope data, there are two different areas of mineral supply, which can be located at the Sierra de Gador and the Cuenca de Vera (probably from Cerro Minado or Herrerias), mining areas in the province of Almeria (Spain). The results stress unknown and interesting aspects on the trade of metals between the western Phoenicians.

Metallurgy is a common topic when discussing Early Bronze Age societies, as its social impact has been traditionally used to support the appearance of social inequality. Different models have been proposed for the Bronze Age Argaric society of SE Iberia. One includes a highly centralised hierarchical production system, and the other consists of decentralised production at a local scale. Though metallurgical debris has been found in more than 30 sites in the Argaric society, and despite metallurgy being a core subject of discussion, very little research has been conducted on these finds. In this article, we draw from provenance studies using lead isotope analysis to gain a better understanding of the organisation of metal production and distribution. We present new MC-ICP-MS lead isotope and SC-ICP-MS trace element analyses of 23 arsenical copper and bronze objects from two Argaric sites: Cerro de la Encina and Cerro San Cristobal. Both sites are located in the Granada basin. These results, contextualised with metallurgical evidence already published, allow us to depict a decentralised system of metal production in which different and distantly located copper mines were being exploited.

[ES] En 2008 Trabajos de Prehistoria entró en las bases de datos internacionales del SSCI, A&HCI y Scopus siendo la primera revista española del área de Arqueología con factor de impacto JCR. En el trabajo se muestra cómo este proceso de internacionalización es consecuencia de diferentes iniciativas de política científica del estado a nivel nacional y del propio CSIC. Se analiza la trayectoria de la revista desde su creación y se valora el impacto de esta internacionalización en su gestión reciente. Cabe destacar el papel, [EN] Trabajos de Prehistoria was included in 2008 in the SSCI, A&HCI and Scopus international scientific databases. It was the first Spanish archaeological journal with a JCR impact factor. This paper shows how several initiatives in scientific policy by the National Spanish Government and the CSIC lead to international recognition. This study also shows the trajectory of the journal since its creation and evaluates the effects of the internationalisation on the current management. The role played by the reviewers has been fundamental in attaining and maintaining the journal’s high scientific quality.

The hoard from Coles de Samuel is one of the largest Cu-based metal collections from the Late Bronze Age (LBA) (13th–8th centuries BC) ever found in Central Portugal, consisting of 18 artefacts which typologically display a strong regional identity. In the present study, an integrated multi-analytical approach combining Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis, Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been used to characterise the artefacts both from a chemical and microstructural point of view with the aim to unravel their elemental composition and technological features., Results show that all artefacts are made of binary bronze (Cu-Sn) alloys, with a Sn content in the range of 8.7 ± 0.9 and 13.0 ± 1.0 wt%, with minor elements (Pb, As and Fe) never exceeding 1.1 wt% in total. The microstructure of the vast majority of the metal objects (13 out of 18) shows the presence of equiaxial α-copper grains with annealing twins and slip bands suggesting that, in the manufacturing process, they were subjected to forging plus annealing cycles. The remains of the objects present an as-cast microstructure constituted by dendritic structures, suggesting that metals did not suffer any thermo-mechanical operation after being removed from the mould. Pb, Ag and Au-rich globules together with Cu–S and unalloyed Cu-inclusions have been observed as well, resulting from impurities from ores., The typological characterisation of these metals and their archaeometallurgical data are consistent with an indigenous LBA Iberian metallurgical production supporting the hypothesis of a regional/local production and use of the artefacts from Coles de Samuel., This work has been financed by national funds by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology under the UID project UID/HIS/00057/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007702), COMPETE, FEDER, Portugal2020 and by the project “IMAGOS” – Innovative Methodologies in Archaeology, Archaeometry and Geophysics – Optimizing Strategies X LARES – Laboratorial Archaeometric and Archaeological Research – Engaging Sciences, operation no. ALENT-07-0224-FEDER-001761 funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) through the INALENTEJO – Specific Regulation Support System Entities System National Science and Technology. Carlo Bottaini thanks Marianna Sautariello and Lorenzo Bottaini for the support during the preparation of this paper. Rui Bordalo also acknowledges FCT for the grant SFRH/BPD/85259/2012

The lead isotope composition of 22 samples from the excavation of the Phoenician site of La Fonteta (Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, Spain) has been analysed in a preliminary study of their provenance. These materials span chronologically from the first half of the 8th century BC to the middle of the 6th century BC. The samples have been selected to include materials used in lead and silver production, as well as in copper-based metallurgy. Therefore, lead droplets, galena nodules and fragments of litharge have been analysed, together with a fragment of a copper ingot, an object, a melting waste composed of a Cu–Pb alloy, and two fragments of a material that we have provisionally labelled ‘Pb–Cu cupellation debris’. All these materials have been initially analysed by X-Ray Fluorescence-Spectrometry to identify their bulk compositions. Some of them have been also analysed by SEM–EDX and ICP–OES. Subsequently, lead isotope analyses (LIA) have been performed using Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS). The new LIA data obtained has been compared with published lead isotope data from the Mediterranean area. The identification of different groups suggests a significant complexity of the internal and external trade routes during the Orientalising period. For this reason, the provenance study of these materials is especially important in shedding light on the commercial dynamics that the Phoenicians established with native people to control the raw materials and to commercialise finished products.

Since a few years, part of the research conducted at the site of Tell Halula concerns the characterisation of the mortuary practices during the oldest phases of occupation, dating to the Middle and Late PPNB. These practices appear to have been constant and very homogeneous : the body was placed in a individual pit, corresponding to a primary burial excavated inside the houses, near the entrance area. More than hundred burials have been discovered : they are currently under study before their fi nal publication. However, one of the most interesting aspects is the presence of grave goods found in more than half of the burials. It consists of personal adornments, such as stone beads and shells that were part of necklaces, bracelets and headdresses, as well as stone plaques and fl int and bone tools. Among these objects, is particularly noteworthy the exceptional presence in eleven graves of copper objects, of which a detailed analysis is presented in this paper., Depuis quelques années, l’un des axes de recherche sur le site de Tell Halula porte sur la caractérisation des pratiques mortuaires durant les phases d’occupation les plus anciennes du site, attribuées au PPNB moyen et récent. Ces pratiques se sont révélées être constantes et très homogènes : le corps était déposé en inhumation primaire, dans une fosse individuelle, creusée à l’intérieur des maisons, près de l’entrée. Plus d’une centaine de sépultures ont été découvertes ; elles sont en cours d’étude en vue d’une publication exhaustive. Pour l’instant, l’un des aspects les plus intéressants est la présence de mobilier funéraire dans plus de la moitié d’entre elles ; il s’agit de parures, telles que des perles en pierre et des coquillages qui entrent dans la composition de colliers, de bracelets et de diadèmes, mais également des plaquettes en pierre incisée et des outils en silex et en os. Parmi ces objets, il importe de signaler, dans onze de ces sépultures, la présence exceptionnelle d’objets en cuivre dont l’analyse approfondie est présentée dans cet article., Molist Miquel, Montero-Ruiz Ignacio, Clop Xavier, Rovira Salvador, Guerrero Emma, Anfruns Josep. New Metallurgic Findings from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic: Tell Halula (Euphrates Valley, Syria). In: Paléorient, 2009, vol. 35, n°2. pp. 33-48.

[EN] Castillejo del Bonete is a tumulus complex located on the southern edge the Iberian Plateau, occupied during Chalcolithic and Bronze Age periods, and linked to the Culture known as Motillas. Diverse archaeological objects have been recovered in association with their architectures (barrows, corridors, walls, etc.). Based on charcoal, pollen and microvertebrates a paleoecological study will be discussed. Furthermore, the analysis of different materials such as wood, shell, stone and ivory ornaments together with pottery vessels and metallic objets will also be carried out. All this evidence could be related to feasting practices and offerings, [ES] Castillejo del Bonete es un complejo tumular situado en el borde meridional de la Meseta Ibérica, ocupado en fechas calcolíticas y de la Edad del Bronce, vinculado a la Cultura de las Motillas. Materiales arqueológicos muy diversos han sido recuperados asociados a las arquitecturas del lugar (túmulos, corredores, potentes muros, etc.). Se presenta un avance de la investigación paleoecológica sobre las colecciones de carbón, polen y microvertebrados. Además se presentan cuentas de piedra y madera, colgantes de concha, material lítico, la colección cerámica, nuevas metalografías e industria metálica y botones de marfil. El conjunto de estas evidencias arqueológicas pone de manifiesto la celebración ritual de banquetes y ofrendas durante la Prehistoria Reciente en una cueva monumentalizada mediante túmulos en el interior de la Península Ibérica

[FR] L’analyse des isotopes du plomb est appliquée à trois dépôts métalliques caractéristiques de l’Âge du Bronze Final de la Péninsule Ibérique. Tous ont des analyses de composition. Ceux de la grotte de Muricecs (Lleida) et le village de Las Lunas (Tolède) ajoutent des données isotopiques inédites qui sont comparées avec celles déjà publiées d’un ensemble d’armes du dépôt de la Ría de Huelva (Huelva), l’un des dépôts les plus importants du Bronze Final de l’occident européen. Les analyses des isotopes du plomb nous orientent sur l’origine du métal avec lequel furent fabriquées les pièces découvertes dans chaque dépôt. Elles ne permettent pas toujours de localiser l’origine de la minéralisation à cause des limitations actuelles de l’information géologique de référence. Néanmoins, en nous basant sur des données concernant l’homogénéité ou non des métaux, elles ont permis de les dissocier de la typologie des objets, aidant ainsi à la valorisation des dépôts et leurs possibles fonctions. L’analyse élémentaire est peu utile dans ce cas parce que les métaux du Bronze Final de la Péninsule Ibérique sont très homogènes et avec très peu d’impuretés., [EN] Lead isotope analysis was applied to three representative Late Bronze Age hoards from the Iberian Peninsula, for all of which compositional analyses are available. Unpublished isotopic evidence from the cave of Muricecs (Lleida) and the settlement of Las Lunas (Toledo) are compared to the published results for weapons from the Ría de Huelva, one of the most important Late Bronze Age hoards from Western Europe. Lead isotope analysis can tell us the sources of the metal used to make the artifacts in each hoard. The limited number of geologic reference points makes it difficult to determine all of the ore sources, but the analyses do give us evidence about the degree of homogeneity of the metal in the artifacts. As a result, one can separate metallic composition from artifact typology and thereby evaluate how the hoards were formed and what their functions were. Elemental analysis is unsuitable for this purpose because Late Bronze Age metals from Iberia are very homogenous and have few impurities., Ce travail a été réalisé dans le cadre des projets : 2010RU0086 (Russian Foundation for Basic Research – CSIC : Provincias metalúrgicas euroasiáticas y europeas del II milenio a.n.e. : investigación de sus interacciones a partir de métodos científico-naturales, chercheur principal : MIMN) ; HAR2010-21105-C02-02 (Plan Nacional de I+D+I ; Relación entre materias primas locales y producción metalúrgica : Cataluña meridional como modelo de contraste, chercheur principal IMR) ; CSD-TCPCSD2007-00058 (Programa CONSOLIDER INGENIO 2010, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación)

Se presentan los primeros resultados de análisis isotópicos llevados a cabo a una selección de muestras de galena, goterones de plomo y objetos de base cobre del asentamiento fenicio de Abdera (Adra, Almería). Según los datos de isótopos de plomo, se pueden distinguir dos zonas diferentes de aprovisionamiento de mineral, Sierra de Gádor y la Cuenca de Vera (posiblemente Cerro Minado o Herrerías), todas ellas zonas mineras de la actual provincia de Almería (España). Los resultados ponen de relieve aspectos inéditos de gran interés sobre el comercio de metales entre los fenicios occidentales., Proyecto HAR2010-21105-C02-02