Tin, Arsenic, Lead: Alloying Practices in Syria-Palestine around 2000 B.C.

Abstract

AbstractAbstractThirteen Syro-Palestinian copper-alloy weapons from good EB-MB and MB I contexts were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, in order to amplify our knowledge of copper metallurgy around 2000 B.C. The results raise several important points regarding alloying practices, and the factors governing alloy selection. Regional differences in alloy use within the southern Levant during the EB-MB period are clarified, while a hitherto unsuspected alloy, leaded-bronze, appears at Hama, where it was used for MB I weapon types. Other groups of contemporary analyses are discussed, and an attempt is then made to consider the influence of non-technical factors on alloy selection.