The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia: Evolution, Organisation and Consumption of Early Metal in the Balkans

The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia is a landmark study that traces the invention and innovation of metallurgy in the Balkans. It confirms the earliest record of fully developed metallurgical activity in the world, making it a common and communal craft activity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 700 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia is a groundbreaking exploration into the origins of metallurgy, with a specific focus on the Balkans. The project aimed to trace the invention and innovation of metallurgy in this region, combining targeted excavations and surveys with extensive scientific analyses at two Neolithic-Chalcolithic copper production and consumption sites, Belovode and Pločnik, in Serbia.

At Belovode, the project yielded chronologically and contextually secure evidence for copper smelting in the 49th century BC, confirming the earlier interpretation of c. 7000-year-old metallurgy at the site. This remarkable discovery makes Belovode the earliest recorded instance of fully developed metallurgical activity in the world. However, what sets this project apart is its demonstration that metallurgy at both Belovode and Pločnik was not a rare and elite practice but rather a common and communal craft activity.

This monograph provides a comprehensive review of the existing scholarship on early metallurgy in the Balkans. It then presents detailed results from the excavations, surveys, and scientific analyses conducted at Belovode and Pločnik. These findings are complemented by new and up-to-date regional syntheses by leading specialists on the Neolithic-Chalcolithic material culture, technologies, settlement, and subsistence practices in the Central Balkans.

Finally, the monograph contextualizes the project results within the broader debates surrounding early metallurgy in Eurasia. It proposes a new agenda for global early metallurgy studies, aiming to further unravel the mysteries of this ancient craft and its significance in shaping human history.

The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia is a groundbreaking achievement that sheds new light on the origins and development of metallurgy in the Balkans. Its meticulous research and comprehensive analysis have not only confirmed the early presence of metallurgy in the region but also demonstrated its widespread and communal nature. This project has opened up new avenues for understanding the technological, social, and economic aspects of early metalworking and has implications for our understanding of metallurgy in other parts of the world.

The discovery of copper smelting at Belovode in the 49th century BC is a significant milestone in the history of metallurgy. It confirms the earlier interpretations of c. 7000-year-old metallurgy at the site and establishes Belovode as the earliest recorded instance of fully developed metallurgical activity in the world. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering the technological challenges and complexities associated with metalworking at this time.

The project's findings also highlight the communal nature of metallurgy in the Balkans. At both Belovode and Pločnik, metallurgy was not a rare and elite practice but rather a common and shared craft activity. This suggests that early metalworkers were part of larger social and economic networks, and their skills and knowledge were passed down through generations. The project's emphasis on the communal aspects of metallurgy adds a new dimension to our understanding of early metalworking and sheds light on the social and cultural dynamics of the Balkans during this period.

The monograph's review of the pre-existing scholarship on early metallurgy in the Balkans is an important contribution to the field. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research and highlights the gaps and inconsistencies in our understanding of the region's metallurgical history. The detailed results from the excavations, surveys, and scientific analyses conducted at Belovode and Pločnik are presented in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The regional syntheses by leading specialists on the Neolithic-Chalcolithic material culture, technologies, settlement, and subsistence practices in the Central Balkans are particularly valuable. These experts bring their expertise and insights to the project, providing new perspectives and interpretations of the project's findings. The synthesis of regional data and expertise adds depth and richness to the monograph, and it contributes to our understanding of the broader context of early metallurgy in Eurasia.

Finally, the monograph places the project results in the context of major debates surrounding early metallurgy in Eurasia. It discusses the contributions of the Balkans to the development of metallurgy in the region and the influence of external factors such as trade and cultural exchange. The monograph proposes a new agenda for global early metallurgy studies, aiming to further unravel the mysteries of this ancient craft and its significance in shaping human history.

In conclusion, The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia is a landmark study that has significantly advanced our understanding of the origins and development of metallurgy in the Balkans. Its meticulous research, comprehensive analysis, and innovative approach have shed new light on the communal nature of metallurgy and its significance in shaping human history. The project's findings have implications for our understanding of metallurgy in other parts of the world and have opened up new avenues for research and exploration. This monograph is a valuable contribution to the field and will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 2434g
Dimension: 204 x 290 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270425