Abstract
Archaeometallurgy has undergone extensive transformations since the beginning of the new millennium. New options arise from advances in analytical chemistry, information technology, and the focus on relating social inequalities with access to metals.
The field has moved from classical data production to more holistic. The integration of natural science and humanities is essential for the emergence of interdisciplinary projects, where separated areas of expertise have existed in the past.
Concerning analytical methods, technological progress during the last decades has pushed forward the scientific limits. Higher precision and accuracy of analytical techniques now enables measurements of new isotopes systems, particularly stable metal isotopes.
Although still at their beginnings, these isotope systems have the potential to analyse new aspects of the metallurgical process. Additionally, in-situ techniques and portable devices keep evolving towards higher precision whilst minimising alteration of archaeological objects.
High performing computer systems have opened up the possibility for, so far, impossible or impracticable approaches, especially in statistics and modelling. They also allow re-evaluation of published data and the handling of large complex datasets with unprecedented convenience.
Integration of the archaeometallurgical evidence with the more "traditional" written and iconographic sources can help in the mutual understanding of humanities and archaeometallurgy. Research questions have also moved from the mere reconstruction of provenance, exchange, and technology towards a more comprehensive understanding of metals in society.
This includes not only the general availability and use of metals from all walks of life but also, for example, the practical feasibility on metal working. This presentation introduces the session with an overview of current developments in the wide field of archaeometallurgical research.
It aims to interconnect the following presentations and to pinpoint future developments in Archaeometallurgy.