Possibilities of using the Morphological Characteristics of the Slags in Archaeo-metallurgical Studies

With regards to the technical stages of the metal-working; primary smelting, secondary melting, and smithing can be identified as the main stages between reducing ore and manufacturing metal productions. In this extensive procedure, different outcomes can be recognized and among them, slags can be defined as the most abundant and well-preserved by-product that is left from the metallurgical activities. According to the archaeological perspective, slag fragments are known as extremely valuable artefacts that help to reconstruct the ancient industrial society. It is possible to identify the reduced ore type, smelted metal, and the type of furnace through analyzing the technical parameters of these residues from a scientific perspective. The main objective of this article is to carry out a scientific discussion on the applicability of slags as an archaeo-metallurgical fact in interpreting ancient culture. Slags are essentially considered on their morphological characteristics.