Iron Production at Meroe

Abstract

Abstract The archaeometallurgical remains evident at the Royal City of Meroe represent some of the most extensive evidence for ancient iron production in Africa. Recently, renewed investigations of these remains have generated a number of new insights into Kushite ferrous technology. The duration of iron production at Meroe is now known to span over one thousand years. Currently available data indicates a particularly intensive level of production during the early periods of Kush, while post-Meroitic iron production has been identified at Meroe and at the nearby site of Hamadab. Throughout the long history of iron production in the area, certain aspects of the technological process appear to have remained relatively constant, notably those associated with the acquisition and use of raw materials (iron ore and charcoal fuel). Other facets of the technological practice appear to have changed over time, for example the manufacture of technical ceramics and the design of the furnaces. Such levels of diachronic consistency and variability within technological practice potentially reflect the evolving social, political, and economic circumstances of Kush. Due to the socio-politically embedded nature of technology, interesting insights into broader Kushite history are becoming accessible through greater understandings of Meroe’s iron production remains.

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