Archaeometallurgy
of Leptiminus/Tunisia,
in collaboration with the University
of Michigan and the University
of Manitoba I investigate the social technology of ancient iron production through a detailed assessment of technological archaeometallurgical issues within a wider context of economic and cultural interaction. The combined use of archaeological and scientific analytical methods for the characterisation of ancient iron production debris is central to this. It highlights how archaeological science can significantly advance the historical understanding of complex societies.
At present, my work concentrates on two areas of the ancient world: Roman Britain and North Africa. As a slag specialist and member of the field survey team I contribute to the Fezzan Project/Libya and the Leptiminus Archaeological Project/Tunisia. Closer to home, I collaborate with the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) on a number of Roman and later iron production sites in the East Midlands.
Archaeometallurgy
of Leptiminus/Tunisia,
in collaboration with the University
of Michigan and the University
of Manitoba
Industrial
processes in the Wadi
el-Agial, Fezzan, SW Libya
Iron Age and
Roman iron production at Ridlington,
Rutland
Roman and later
iron production at Leicester
Bonners Lane
Within the framework of the European joint publication project Atlas Historique des Zones Minières (COST PASTA G2), I have recently compiled several dossiers on mining landscapes in Roman Britain, together with Prof. David Mattingly. Our contribution reviews the archaeological evidence for gold, copper, lead/silver and iron ore mining in Roman Britain. In recent years, many Roman mining sites in Britain have been the focus of fresh investigations. We integrate the results of this ongoing research and introduce all major sites, with a particular emphasis on the impact they had on settlement patterns and landscape development around them. The atlas volumes are known as a highly visual publication series. Following this tradition, this volume will again make considerable use of illustrative material. It is also envisaged that an international team of mining archaeologists compiles a multi-lingual glossary of mining terms, which will form an appendix to the volume. I contribute the English and German sections.
In addition, as the team archaeometallurgist of the Fezzan Project, I examine in detail the metallurgical and non-metallurgical industrial residues that have come to light during the project in the Wadi el-Agial, and prepare the material for publication. This involves both fieldwork and laboratory examinations. I joined the team again in the field in early 2001, to further investigate the diverse pyrotechnological industrial activities in the wadi and explore the archaeological relevance of substantial iron ore deposits in the area. My research contributes to the better understanding of the economy of the Garamantes, an important political power in the Sahara in Roman times. The Fezzan is at the crossroads of the North African and sub-Saharan spheres. My investigations into the archaeometallurgy of the Fezzan are of relevance for the understanding of technological developments, cultural exchange and the spread of ideas in the whole of Northern Africa.
At the moment, I am preparing my doctoral dissertation on Roman iron production in the East Midlands, England, for publication by BAR.
