MIT Unveils Ancient Metalworking Techniques Using CT Scanning

A study led by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has revealed significant insights into ancient metalworking processes through the innovative use of CT scanning technology. By examining slag, a byproduct of copper smelting, the team has unlocked new understanding of how early civilizations manipulated metals approximately 5,000 years ago.

The research focuses on slag samples obtained from Tepe Hissar in Iran, a site known for its early evidence of copper processing. According to MIT News, this region is considered one of the birthplace locations of metallurgy, where humans began extracting copper from ore between 3100 and 2900 BCE.

Innovative Techniques Illuminate Ancient Practices

Traditionally, studying ancient metallurgical practices has been challenged by the limited evidence available regarding production methods. MIT researchers adapted existing technology to enhance their understanding of these processes. By employing both industrial and standard CT scanners, they demonstrated how CT imaging can refine the traditional approaches to analyzing archaeological artifacts.

CT scanning allows for a detailed examination of the internal structure of slag, revealing the location of pores and other materials within the samples. The complexity of slag, which forms when ores are heated to extract metal, adds layers of difficulty to its interpretation. As noted by the researchers, “Slag waste is chemically complex to interpret because it contains everything not desired in the final product.”

Alongside CT scans, the researchers utilized other conventional methods, such as X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. This comprehensive approach confirmed the effectiveness of CT scanning in providing a broader view of ancient metallurgical practices.

Revealing New Perspectives on Early Metallurgy

The findings from the CT scans have sparked discussions among researchers about the role of elements such as arsenic in ancient metal production. The study has raised new questions regarding how these materials influenced the smelting process. “Moving forward, CT scanning could be a powerful tool in archaeology to unravel complex ancient materials and processes,” the researchers stated.

MIT researchers emphasized the potential of this methodology to support systematic studies of copper smelting, particularly in understanding the long-term stability of artifacts and the effects of corrosion. This research not only sheds light on ancient practices but also sets the stage for future explorations into metallurgy’s evolution.

As this new technique gains traction, it holds promise for further discoveries in the field of archaeometallurgy, enhancing our understanding of how early civilizations mastered the art of metalworking. The implications of this research could lead to a deeper appreciation of the technological capabilities of our ancestors.