Excavation and preliminary archaeometric investigations of iron smithing slags from the Roman workshops at Montebelluna (I, Treviso)

At Posmon, a small area in Montebelluna, there is evidence of archaeological remains related to iron metallurgy excavated by the University of Padua (Dep. of Archaeology) thanks to the Archeogeo Montebelluna projects. The archaeometallurgical investigations of the site and of the archaeological materials have been developed in cooperation with the Geoscience Dep. of the University of Padua. During 5 campaigns of excavations (2006-20010) a Roman structure with rectangular shape and an area of 210 m2 has been unearthed. Eight rooms surround on three sides a large space (probably an open area) located in the center of the construction. The presence of 4 quadrangular fire places, a small furnace and a large water tank immediately suggest that the place was a production/working center of some pyrotechnological materials. Only the presence of a large amount of small slags in an outer discharge (that the analyses have identify as smithing iron slags) and the excavation of the South-Eastern room (G) clearly showed that the construction was an iron workshop. In a corner of the room G a ditch possibly used for carbon storage is present. In the center of the room there is a deep depression where a stump for the anvil was located. No forges are present but there is a square basement composed of stones and bricks close to the place used for the anvil. Based on iconographic comparison and on the analyses of the forge wastes and lining remains we believe that the square basement was used to support an elevated forge. Ceramic fragments, brick stamps, and coins display that the complex was used in the I-II century AD, and divestments continue to the III century AD.