Abstract
The composition and distribution of such widely traded materials as obsidian, lapis lazuli, and copper have been studied, but many other materials have yet to be considered. This paper presents a broad study of a series of bituminous asphalts from Southwestern Iran. They were obtained from local natural sources, processed, transported, and fashioned into a variety of artifacts during the entire period from 6000 to 1500 B.C. We have examined a number of asphalt artifacts and some source materials by separating the bitumen and mineral portions, and examining each by classical techniques. During the millennia of burial, most of the hydrocarbons and much of the resins were lost from the bitumens, leaving a preponderance of asphaltenes. We have characterized the sources in terms of the proportions of limestone and in the mineral matter. Production increased markedly just before 3000 B.C., but without change in patterns of production and use.
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