Characterization and origin of ancient metallurgical slags from the ancient settlement of Archampolis, Euboea Island, Greece

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Published: May 30, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/monubasin.8173
Keywords:
slags ancient metallurgy iron fayalite Euboea wüstite
Antonios Kontorozis
Michael Stamatakis
Eleftheria Dimou
Abstract

In the present study, metallurgical slags were investigated and characterized concerning their mineralogy, chemistry, and texture. The slag samples were collected close to the ancient village of Archampolis, located on southern Euboea Island, Greece. The aim of the study was to define the kind of archaeometallurgy, i.e., extraction of copper, silver, or iron, as well as to suggest possible sources of the ores which were used as raw materials burned in the kilns. Qualitative mineralogy and texture of the slags were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The determination of the major and trace elements of the samples was performed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). By combining all analytical results, it was concluded that the metallurgy was applied for iron extraction, as the samples consisted of ferrous, glassy slags, while one sample was interpreted as a semi-melted host rock containing the original minerals. Geochemically, it turned out that certain slag pieces are enriched in Cu, As, Pb, and Tl, which indicates a possible origin of the initial ferric ore from the oxidization of the mixed sulfide ore. Such primary and oxidized polymetallic mineral deposits occur in the area of south Euboea Island, some of which have been exploited since the Antiquity. Another possible source could be Andros Island, being the closest area to Archampolis seawards, which hosts significant deposits of iron ores, most of them exploited for centuries.

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  • Part II - Historical and Structural Aspects of Monuments

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Author Biographies
Antonios Kontorozis

Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece

Michael Stamatakis

Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15784, Greece

Eleftheria Dimou

Department of Mineralogy and Petrography, Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration, Spyrou Loui, Entrance G1, Acharnes 13672, Attica, Greece

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