A Survey of West Anatolian Metallurgy Prior to Middle Bronze Age (2000 BC)

Abstract

As reflected by the famous treasure finds from Troia, Western Anatolia represents one of the most advanced metalworking schools in a wider Aegean and Anatolian context, especially during the 3^rd Millennium B.C. The recent studies throughout the whole region, extending from coastal areas further to inland zones, revealed important data on the metallurgical activities starting in the Late Chalcolithic period and gradually evolves in the Early Bronze Age. Metallurgical finds related to production activities and numerous artefacts discovered at many centres reflect not only the technological advancements but also skilfulness and aesthetic level achieved by West Anatolian metalworkers during these early periods. The inventory of the region displays a unique character in terms of materials, techniques and forms, and also provides important insights on the cultural interactions with adjacent and distant zones. This paper aims to summarize the available data in light of recent discoveries in order to reflect the unique character and dynamics of Western Anatolian metallurgy before the Middle Bronze Age.