The ancient iron mines of Meroe

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6042371
AutoresJane Humphris (0000-0001-6963-2143, UCL Qatar, Hamad ibn Khalifa University, P.O. Box 25256, Doha, Qatar, autor de correspondencia), Robert Bussert (0000-0003-3891-2315, TU Berlin, Institut für Angewandte Geowissenschaften, Straße des 17 Juni 135, Berlin, 10623, Germany), Fareed Alshishani (American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR), P.O. Boxc 2470, Amman 11181, Jordan), Thomas Scheibner (Archaeological Research and Service, Berlin, Buchholzer Straße 5a, Berlin, 10437, Germany)
Año2018
Volumen53
Número3
Páginas291-311
Fecha de publicación2018-07-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAzania Archaeological Research in Africa (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0067-270X • E-ISSN: 1945-5534
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0067270x.2018.1515922
OpenAlexW2894840915
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas15
Referencias citadas17

Ongoing archaeometallurgical research at the Royal City of Meroe and the nearby Meroitic town of Hamadab in Sudan has established the presence of a Kushite iron production tradition spanning over one thousand years. Potentially from as early as the seventh century BC to as late as the sixth century AD, a significant quantity of iron was produced at Meroe, while Hamadab appears to have started producing iron during the latter stages of this time-frame. Previous investigations assumed that the iron ore exploited for use was widely available and easily accessible, close to the ancient city itself. This paper presents the results of archaeological and geological research that has, for the first time, identified ancient iron mining activity in the area. Insights gained into certain aspects of the ore procurement stage of the chaîne opératoire of Meroitic iron production, including the nature of the mined ores and the manner in which this activity was conducted, are presented. Indications as to the organisation of mining activities are also provided. The significant potential of this avenue of research is highlighted and potential future research questions are posed

Ancient history · Archaeology · Business · Geography · Iron Age · Iron ore · Procurement · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · History · Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts