Metallurgical and Metallographic Analysis of Late Bronze Age Spearheads from Velké Bílovice
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Metallography, Microstructure, and Analysis |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13632-025-01190-6 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13632-025-01190-6 |
| Keywords | Electron microscopy; Elemental analysis; Late Bronze Age; Reflected light analysis; South Moravia; Spearheads |
| Attached files | |
| Description | This study investigates the metallurgical techniques and use-wear patterns of Bronze Age spearheads, contributing to our understanding of ancient weapon manufacturing and usage. Samples were taken from the spearheads to determine their chemical composition and metallurgical structure. A comprehensive metalwork wear analysis was conducted using a light trinocular microscope, while the microstructure of the metal matrix was examined through metallographic sections. Additionally, the internal metal core and any hidden defects within the artifacts were documented using x-ray imaging. The chemical composition of the metal matrix and the identification of intermediate phases were achieved through scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyzer, as well as x-ray fluorescence analysis. The results of this analysis provide significant insights into the chaîne opératoire of both artifacts, enhancing our understanding of their production processes and the technological capabilities of their makers. These insights are also crucial for ongoing research efforts aimed at experimentally verifying the findings of Bronze Age spear analyses and their practical application in combat studies. |
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