This discipline analyzes ancient slag, crucibles, ores and artifacts to reconstruct early metalworking technologies. Specialists use chemical analysis, microscopy and experimental reconstructions to understand how early smiths and founders operated their furnaces. The findings help trace the origins of alloys, trade routes for ores, and the evolution of smelting techniques before industrialization.
Heard on the job
The archaeometallurgy report on the site showed they were using a highly efficient natural draft furnace to smelt copper.