METAL TECHNOLOGY IN LATE ANTIQUITY: A BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE

Research into metal technology in Late Antiquity has arguably been neglected. Recent interest in late antique metal technology has not led to an even coverage of all geographical regions and chronological periods. Scientific analyses of metal finds and related (waste) products have resulted in a wide range of geological, geochemical and geophysical observations, related to mining provenance and production/working processes. General processes and techniques in copper, bronze and brass working were practised throughout Antiquity, such as hammering, casting, embossing, chasing, engraving, inlaying, enamelling and gilding. On a general level, the studies of Boulaika and Hofmann, although over 30 years old, offer a superb overview of the provenance, use and technology of lead and its alloys in Antiquity. Archaeological remains and structures deriving from smelting and metalworking are poorly preserved and often neglected, or simply not recognised by field archaeologists. Keywords: archaeologists; brass; bronze; copper; Late Antiquity; metal technology