Eveline Salzmann, Sabine Klein, Andreas Hauptmann

Analytical Investigations on Silver, Copper and the Earliest Tin Bronzes from Ur

Introduction

Analytical investigations on silver, copper and the earliest tin bronzes from ur. Investigate ancient silver, copper, and early tin bronzes from Ur, Mesopotamia. This analytical study explores economic relations, raw material supply, and geological sources in the Early Bronze Age.

Abstract

The present study is focused on the investigation of metal objects: particularly copper, arsenical copper, copper-tin alloys and silver objects excavated at the cemetery of Earl Bronze Age Ur in Mesopotamia. A key to understand economic and cultural relationships between Mesopotamia and other Early Bronze Age cultures lies in the analytical investigation of this archaeological objects having the potential to answer specific archaeological questions. One is the question of the Bronze Age raw material supply of the region in question which may be traceable through the archaeological material. The present results already point to the geological setting, in which the source regions for copper and silver from Ur are located.

Review

This manuscript, "Analytical Investigations on Silver, Copper and the Earliest Tin Bronzes from Ur," outlines a study of significant archaeological interest focusing on metal objects excavated from the Early Bronze Age cemetery at Ur. The scope encompasses copper, arsenical copper, copper-tin alloys, and silver artifacts. The core objective, to utilize analytical investigation to understand economic and cultural relationships and, critically, the raw material supply of Mesopotamia during this period, addresses fundamental questions concerning ancient trade networks and resource procurement. Such an inquiry is highly relevant to deepening our knowledge of interregional interactions and technological development in the ancient Near East. A key strength of the proposed work lies in its specific focus on well-defined material categories from a historically and archaeologically crucial site. The analytical approach is inherently necessary for tackling the ambitious questions posed, particularly regarding the traceability of raw materials to their geological settings. The abstract makes a compelling claim that the "present results already point to the geological setting, in which the source regions for copper and silver from Ur are located." However, without further detail in the abstract regarding the specific analytical techniques employed (e.g., trace element analysis, lead isotope analysis) or the nature of the "results" that allow for this identification, this crucial assertion lacks the necessary context. Greater specificity regarding the methodologies and the character of the evidence supporting these claims would significantly enhance the abstract's impact and clarity. Should the full manuscript robustly detail the analytical methodologies and present compelling data to substantiate its claims about raw material sources, this study promises to be a valuable contribution to archaeological science. The successful identification of geological source regions for silver and copper from Early Bronze Age Ur would offer profound insights into long-distance trade, ancient metallurgical practices, and the broader economic geography of Mesopotamia. Therefore, this work holds considerable potential to advance our understanding of this pivotal period, making it a potentially impactful addition to the journal.

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