Identification of ore extraction and metal working in ancient times: a case study of Sagalassos (SW Turkey)

Abstract

The extensive territory of the ancient (Hellenistic to Byzantine) city of Sagalassos (SW Turkey) offered a rich variety in natural mineral resources. The frequent occurrence of iron slag in the excavations at the site proved the local working of metal. A geochemical prospection campaign was done in the territory of the ancient city in order to identify or discard the city and its territory as a self-sustaining metallurgical centre. Secondly, the geochemical impact of ancient metallurgy was investigated. Geochemical anomalies identified in stream sediments are explained by the presence of mineralised deposits and ancient metal working. Mg, Cr, Co and Ni anomalies point to chromite and chrysotile-magnetite deposits related to the basic rocks of the Lycian nappes in the area. Fe, V and Ti anomalies indicate the presence of iron mineralisations, which have been worked for iron production in ancient times. Finally, the association of P, Cu, Pb, Mn, As and Ag anomalies are an indicator of human activity at archaeological sites. Within the framework of this geochemical prospection, a metal working site apart from the city of Sagalassos was identified. Here, ore was both extracted and processed to workable iron.