Iron working at Zambana el Vato (TN) Italy (original) (raw)

Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 2016

Abstract

The workshop of Zambana el Vato (region Trentino, Northern Italy), is dated to the period between the 7th-6th and the 5th century BC. Iron working activities are clearly recognizable from the various finds. Among them there are working slag, heated clay, fragments of hearth or forge, hammerscale and more residues that can be referred to iron technology. A number of selected specimens were sectioned and mounted for photomicroscopy to identify the structure and some of the mounted samples were also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using both a back scattered electron detector and energy dispersive (EDS) x-ray analysis. This paper presents the results of these studies. The hearths were regularly repaired, as their fragments were found mixed with working slag. The hammerscale samples indicate that there were three iron-working areas. The fragments of forge with traces of tuyeres indicate that bellows were employed. Refining slag was identified among the debris. This is particularly significant as for the moment no iron refining centers are known in this area.

Paolo Bellintani hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Paolo know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.