CT scans reveal hidden details of ancient copper smelting in early Iran
Archaeologists have turned to advanced CT-scan technology to peer inside early Iranian copper objects without damaging them. These non-invasive scans revealed internal structures, casting flaws, and tool marks that were previously invisible, allowing researchers to reconstruct ancient metalworking practices with unprecedented clarity.
Unearthing Early Smelting Techniques
The scans exposed details of how early Iranian metallurgists smelted copper ore, including layering patterns of slag and metal that show deliberate temperature control. This suggests that Bronze Age metalworkers had far more refined technical knowledge than previously documented.
Reconstructing Lost Production Workshops
By analyzing scanned artifacts, researchers could infer workshop setups—such as furnace type, ore-processing steps, and cooling methods. The internal voids and micro-cracks revealed in the CT images help map out the tools and molds involved in the smelting process.
Evidence of Innovation and Experimentation
The scans uncovered varying copper purity levels and experimental alloy compositions, indicating that early Iranian craftsmen were actively testing new smelting techniques. This challenges the assumption that technological innovation in the region was slow or uniform.
What This Means for Ancient Near Eastern History
These findings reshape our understanding of early metallurgy in the Near East. The sophistication observed in Iranian copper smelting places the region at the forefront of early technological development, highlighting its role as a hub of innovation during the Bronze Age.
These findings reshape our understanding of early metallurgy in the Near East. The sophistication observed in Iranian copper smelting places the region at the forefront of early technological development, highlighting its role as a hub of innovation during the Bronze Age.
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