Vladimir I. Zavyalov* and Natalia N. Terekhova

Institute of Archaeology RAS, Moscow, Russia

*E–mail: v_zavyalov@list.ru

Keywords: Gorozhane, blacksmithing, technology, slag inclusions, archaeometallography, XRF, EMS.

The intensification of trade routes in the late first millennium AD boosted the exchange of various technological knowledge. This was most clearly manifested in blacksmithing. The settlement of Gorozhane was a small trading and crafts centre involved in trans-European trade. Blacksmithing played a significant role in the activities of the population. The authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of all artifacts related to ironworking (slag, the products proper, and slag inclusions in the metal). This study is the first multidisciplinary research on ferrous metallurgy artifacts in Russian archaeology. The obtained analytical data reflect the complex nature of local craft production, which was consistent with the general pattern of iron production in Rus during the early state period.

DOI: 10.7868/S3034577426010091