Hidden riches in the Early Medieval Rhine Delta: Iron working at Merovingian Oegstgeest

Abstract

Long dismissed as a backwater, increased study of the Rhine Delta in the Early Middle Ages has revealed considerable wealth and prosperity in even the most isolated of sites. The 6th–8th century Merovingian settlement at Oegstgeest is a good example of such. Despite its seeming remoteness and small size, its excavation found evidence for the creation and importation of quality goods, seemingly without any connection to existing elite structures. This study examined one aspect of this prosperity (iron working) to gain a better understanding of the role of Oegstgeest within its socioeconomic environment. Metallurgical and chemical characterisation was undertaken on thirteen metal samples and twenty-three slag samples from Oegstgeest. The results of this study established the use of quality metals and advanced forging techniques. This suggests that the inhabitants of Oegstgeest had the required contacts to obtain such materials, as well as the presence of skilled artisans with the time and demand to put their experience into practice. Further study found definite evidence of iron and copper alloys being worked in tandem. A provenance study was also undertaken on the metallic samples. Possible matches were established between the material from Oegstgeest with Lorraine in Eastern France as well as a potential connection to Southern Germany. In short, the results of this study suggest complement that of other the other finds of the settlement, suggesting that Oegstgeest was integrated into regional trade networks of the Early Middle Ages.