The analysis of remains of metallurgical processes is strongly connected to
knowledge about metallurgical processes. It's basic raw material is ore and it's
main product is metal. In our case the metal is iron. Slag is created as it's by–
product. Fundamental knowledge about metallurgical processes is presented in
the chapter about pyrometallurgy. Evidence of metallurgical activity on the
archaeological site is found in remains of bloomery furnace/blacksmith hearth
walls, parts of ore and slag. Blacksmith hearths change rarely while bloomerly
furnaces differ during different time periods and construction. Slag is the most
common remains of the metallurgical processes. To be able to better
understand it's creation, archaeology divides it in different types. Primary
separation divides iron slag in two types. One is smithing and the other
bloomery slag. This separation is based on separation of two primary
metallurgical processes. Blacksmithing and smelting. The technology for iron
making has been changing throughout history. Understanding of prehistoric
ironmaking is important for study purposes. Iron was discovered in the Middle
East. It spread to Europe with trade contacts at the end of the bronze age. With
it, knowledge about ironmaking came to our lands. At the beginning of the iron
age there was many settelment centers on the territory of present day Slovenia.
Cvinger near Dolenjske Toplice was one such place. Here between research
which in part took place in the study process at the Department of Archeology
of Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, the remains of metallurgical
processes were collected, which were later used in analyses. Research on this
site has been ongoing from 19th century with only brief interruptions. At the
end of 20th century systematic interdisciplinary approach was applied on the
site. The porpose of this study is to find evidence of different types of
ironmaking processes and its possible location with help of macroscopic
analysis of remains of metallurgical processes. In it mainly data and finds from
the archaeological surface survey and archaeological excavation have been
used.
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