Universität Wien

060116 VO Introduction to Archaeometallurgy (2025S)

metal technologies and cultural development in Pre- and Early history

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 6 - Ägyptologie, Judaistik, Urgeschichte und Historische Archäologie
Moodle
Fr 09.05. 12:30-14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG

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Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 07.03. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 14.03. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 21.03. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 28.03. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 04.04. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 11.04. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 16.05. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 23.05. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 30.05. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 06.06. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 13.06. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 20.06. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 27.06. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The aim of the lecture is to provide students with in-depth knowledge about various materials (gold, silver, lead, iron, copper, and bronze), their occurrence, extraction (mining and smelting), and their use. The emergence of metallurgy, its spread (indigenous development vs. diffusionism), the adaptation and application of new materials and technologies across different chronological periods will also be covered.

From prehistory to modern times, the most important metallurgical inventions and developments will be described, and their impact on cultural progress will be discussed. Furthermore, the course will introduce the methods for analyzing various metallurgical remains (crucibles, furnaces, slag, etc.) and the subsequent reconstruction of metallurgical processes. The full range of archaeometallurgical methods (SEM-EDX, X-ray fluorescence and isotope analysis, PIXE, NAA, pXRF, X-ray tomography, experimental archaeometallurgy, etc.) will be demonstrated using specific case studies.

The metallurgical finds available in the study collection of the IUHA and VIAS will serve as the basis for hands-on practical exercises.

The course is planned as an in-person event. The exam material consists of the knowledge and information presented during the course. The provided PPT slides, if available, serve as a learning aid but do not replace personal notes in any way!

Assessment and permitted materials

Geplant ist eine schriftliche Präsenzprüfung.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Mündliche Mitarbeit, Schriftliche Abschlussprüfung: multiple choice Test, für einen positiven Abschluss müssen mehr als 50% der Antworten richtig sein.

Examination topics

Siehe Ziele, Inhalte und Methode, Vorträge mit PowerPoint Unterstützung; es wird zusammenfassende und weiterführende Literatur sowie aktuelle Artikel als Literaturliste zur Verfügung gestellt.

Reading list

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 11.04.2025 11:45