Study of the early silver metal extraction in a proto-industrial context

This research aims at a critical review of the early silver metal extraction process in a proto-industrial context in order to gain a better insight into the ancient large-scale silver production chain.

A dual methodological approach will be used:

1. A pyrometallurgical approach based on thermodynamic calculations, smelting furnace and heat balance modeling, and smelting experiments on argentiferous lead ores.
2. A contextual archeological approach based on the archeometric examination of various metallurgical remains (litharge, slags, hearth linings, ...) from Thorikos (Laurion, Greece) and Carthagena (Iberia).