X-ray CT scans of Bronze Age slag from Tepe Hisar in NE Iran revealed 3D pore networks, copper droplets & layered structures. Internal patterns show copper prills forming only under controlled smelting — evidence of systematic, competent metallurgical tradition by the late 3rd millennium BCE.
CT scanning reveals Bronze Age copper smelting at Tepe Hissar 1967-1991 - Portrait of a man on the ruins of Tepe Hisar
Site mentioned
📍 Tepe Hissar 1967-1991 - Portrait of a man on the ruins of Tepe Hisar🗺️ More sites in Iran (Islamische Republik)🌍 Show on the globe
Key facts
- Researchers used X-ray CT scanning on Bronze Age slag from Tepe Hissar 1967-1991 - Portrait of a man on the ruins of Tepe Hisar in northeastern Iran
- CT revealed 3D networks of pores, copper droplets, layered structures, and mineral-filled cracks
- The technology allowed targeting specific internal phases including arsenic-rich metallic residues
- Internal patterns showed copper prills and flow structures only forming under controlled smelting
- Evidence demonstrates systematic repeated copper smelting by the late 3rd millennium BCE.
- This was competent metallurgical tradition, not experimental or accidental processing
Was this story useful?
Keep exploring
Every site on this page sits on the globe, and the people who research them are on the Discord.
3D Globe · Sites by country · Story Archive · Research Library · Weekly Journal · Search
AI-generated text · images from the original sources · always verify with the sources.