We are almost ready to proceed with our experimental reconstruction of producing iron by simulating ancient examples. The experiment will take place on the 8th of September 2020 in collaboration with R.C. ‘Athena’, Xanthi Division and will be hosted at the premises of the Institute in Xanthi.
Figure 1. Poster of the iron smelting simulation
The experimental approach is an integral part of project ME.Tech.NAS. as it is an ideal way to understand technical details and gestures by experiencing the making of metals. The whole attempt will be recorded while the products will be studied using an archaeometric approach.
Up to now 40 kg of iron ore has been collected and processed accordingly. It was crushed using a hammer on a stone anvil and is ready to smelt. The ferro-manganese ore derives from an idle mine in the Lekani massif close to Palaia Kavala and previous analyses have proven that it contains rich iron contents in the order of 40-60%.
Figure 2. Crushing of the iron ore
The furnace will be built using clay and straw and will be left to dry for two weeks. The experimental simulation will offer a unique opportunity to test the efficiency of a furnace like the ones used during antiquity in Thasos and its colonies.
We would like to thank warmly Dr. Despoina Tsiafaki (Director of Research Head of the Culture & Creative Industries Department ‘Athena’ Research Center) for coordinating the event. Many thanks to Maria Arapaki for help in constructing the furnace and to Dr. Vasilis Evangelidis, Yannis Mourthos and Natasa Michailidou for help and support in the organisation.