From the Ibers to the Roman empire. Technical evolution of the iron metallurgy

Abstract

From the Iberian culture (VII century B.C.) to the end of the Roman Empire (5^th century) a constant evolution in the iron metallurgy was experienced. In this work we summarize the result of the study of ancient iron objects found in the excavations of the Mediterranean Coast and in Guadalquivir valley. Samples from Iberian and Roman deposits have been studied. In the first stages, the pieces were shaped from metal sheets or rods of heterogeneous composition, but techniques like recrystallization, hardening or carburising were also employed. At the end of the period, better refined iron was produced and more correct treatments were applied.