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On the origins of extractive metallurgy: new evidence from Europe

Radivojevic, M; Rehren, T; Pernicka, E; Sljivar, D; Brauns, M; Boric, D; (2010) On the origins of extractive metallurgy: new evidence from Europe. Journal of Archaeological Science , 37 (11) 2775 - 2787. 10.1016/j.jas.2010.06.012.

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Abstract

The beginnings of extractive metallurgy in Eurasia are contentious. The first cast copper objects in this region emerge c. 7000 years ago, and their production has been tentatively linked to centres in the Near East. This assumption, however, is not substantiated by evidence for copper smelting in those centres. Here, we present results from recent excavations from Belovode, a Vinca culture site in Eastern Serbia, which has provided the earliest direct evidence for copper smelting to date. The earliest copper smelting activities there took place c. 7000 years ago, contemporary with the emergence of the first cast copper objects. Through optical, chemical and provenance analyses of copper slag, minerals, ores and artefacts, we demonstrate the presence of an established metallurgical technology during this period, exploiting multiple sources for raw materials. These results extend the known record of copper smelting by more than half a millennium, with substantial implications. Extractive metallurgy occurs at a location far away from the Near East, challenging the traditional model of a single origin of metallurgy and reviving the possibility of multiple, independent inventions.

Type: Article
Title: On the origins of extractive metallurgy: new evidence from Europe
DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2010.06.012
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2010.06.012
Language: English
Additional information: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Copper metallurgy, Smelting, Copper slag, Malachite, Bead, Vinca culture, Belovode, Serbia, Balkans, Eurasia, Chalcolithic, Lead-isotope ratios, Trace element analysis, EARLY BRONZE-AGE, WESTERN-EUROPE, ARTIFACTS, COPPER, IRAN
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Institute of Archaeology
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Institute of Archaeology > Institute of Archaeology Gordon Square
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/394416
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