Archaeometallurgy and Smelting Technology of Copper in Haft Tappeh Ancient Site of Khuzestan; The Second Millennium BC

In this paper، the evidences and remnants of archaeometallurgical activities in Elamite site of Haft Tappeh (14th century BC) have investigated and identification of archaeometallurgical materials have been done based on analytical investigations. SEM-EDS analysis and metallography were used to identify the chemical composition and microstructural features of archaeometallurgical materials in Haft Tappeh. The results showed that the metallurgical process in Haft Tappeh has been copper smelting from sulfidic ores. This process has been done by matte production and the mixture of matte and copper has been roasted for the purpose of purification in order to produce objects. The metallic objects in Haft Tappeh have been manufactured by copper-lead as well as bronze alloys. In some cases، some metallic elements such as Ni and Zn were observed in composition. Based on the microstructural studies، it could be concluded that an alternating cold working and annealing operation has been used after casting to shape the metallic artifacts.