Investigating two late Roman Metallurgical Slag Heaps: An Analytical Approach

Abstract

Two Late Roman slag heaps located near Polis Chrysochous, western Cyprus, are studied to reconstruct the technological processes of copper production. The Pelathousa slag heap (4th-6th century C.E.) is located on the foothills of the Troodos Mountain close to the Limni mine, while the Argaka slag heap (3rd- 8th century C.E.) is near the coastline approximately five kilometers from the mine. Macroscopic examination, hhpXRF analysis, optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that the slag from both slag heaps has the same variability in manganese content, which varies from less than 1wt% to almost 40wt%. The slag assemblage derives exclusively from copper-matte smelting. The second part of the research focuses on the spatial analysis of the metallurgical remains. Using GIS spatial tools, the locations of the slag heaps are investigated in their topographic context and distance from the nearby mines, i.e. the Limni and Kinousa mines. The results will be used to understand the organization of copper production within the landscape.