Metals Summary

A relatively large amount of metal was discovered throughout the trench, the highest quantity was being discovered in Locus 4 and Locus 6, loci affiliated with post-occupation phases of the site. The highest concentration derived from Locus 6 and could be indicative of metal-working associated with the nearby workshop/ OC2. Most of the metal discovered was bronze, including a bronze stud (PC 20180028), a bronze shaft, a fibula pin (20180026), a bronze ribbon, and a crucible fragment with adhered bronze slag (20180055).

In addition, a few pieces of iron were also discovered, all from Locus 6. Most of the iron fragments were pieces of nails, however, one piece was an arrow tip fragment (PC 20180021).

Archaeobotanical analysis revealed an unusual metal ball from the soil sample captured from Locus 6, however, no further data about it can be derived at this time.

It is to be noted that most of the iron derived from the eastern most meter of the trench and most of the bronze derived from the western half of the trench.

The discovery of both worked metals and slag are suggestive of metal working within close proximity.