Copper metallurgy of the Early Bronze Age in Thassos, north Aegean

Abstract

Archaeometallurgical research of the last decade has added valuable information on copper and silver metallurgy practiced in the Bronze Age coastal settlements on Thassos in the north Aegean. The presence of mineral ores in the island's geology has been suggested as a determining factor for early silver and lead extraction from the respective indigenous sources. Yet up to date no solid archaeological evidence for mining in the Bronze Age has come to light whereas Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic large scale mining, gold and silver extraction and iron production have been confirmed. Despite the absence of information on prehistoric mining, smelting residues such as crucibles, tuyères and slag pieces, casting implements namely clay moulds, and artefacts of copper-based alloys were found in Early Bronze Age Limenaria, Aghios Antonios and Skala Sotiros. Recent slag analyses revealed increased levels of Ba and Zn, which are diagnostic elements of the Thassian deposits, hinting to the exploitation of local raw materials at an early stage. In addition to the metallurgical finds, arsenical-copper and bronze objects were found in the former sites and also at Aghios Ioannis and Kastri but their provenance has not been established so far. The present paper aims to present the evidence for Thassian copper metallurgy during the Bronze Age through analysis of raw materials (copper-bearing ores), metallurgical residues (crucibles, slag) and finished objects and to provide a preliminary interpretation of the findings. For the first time local production of arsenical copper in the north Aegean has been confirmed at Aghios Antonios, implying technological similarities with corresponding Cycladic and Cretan examples and suggesting establishment of far-reaching exchange networks active during the Early Bronze Age.