Ausbeutung von Bergbauressourcen im Umland von Los Castillejos de Alcorrín (Manilva, Málaga) (Ende 9. und 8. Jh. v. Chr.). Ein Vorbericht

Abstract

Exploitation of mining resources in the surrounding area of Los Castillejos de Alcorrín (Manilva, Málaga) (end 9th and 8th c. BC). A preliminary study. As part of the research program conducted by the German Archaeological Institute Madrid in cooperation with the Centro de Estudios Fenicios y Púnicos (Madrid) in Los Castillejos de Alcorrín (Manilva, Málaga), studies have been undertaken on the role of the native society during the process of early Phoenician colonization in the region of Gibraltar. Questions related to the economy, commerce and technology are central to these studies. Finds of iron slag in contexts dating around 800 cal. BC prompted extensive investigations with the aim of recording the technology of local ironworking and localizing exploited ore deposits. The composition of the slag found in Alcorrín indicates the exploitation of local ore deposits with complexly structured iron mineralization that can be rich in arsenic and nickel and exhibit a high level of polymetallism. Comparable chemical compositions have been documented for various deposits in the area extending between the bay of Málaga, the bay of Algeciras and the Serranía de Ronda. The area of the survey was planned according to this background information. A prospection was undertaken in a radius of 55 km around Alcorrín. 13 ore exploitation sites were recorded. Samples collected at these sites as well as metal finds from Alcorrín and from contemporary contexts of neighbouring settlements (see below) were analyzed by Martina Renzi and Michael Bode using complex scientific methods.
The mineral composition of 36 ore samples was described by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD), and their overall chemical composition was established by using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS). The results proved the polymetallic character of the local ore mineralisations but did not make it possible to identify the supply source of Alcorrín iron ore. Therefore, tests were made using the lead isotope analysis (LIA) in order to provide further information on the ore samples and iron slag finds and their provenance. The chemical and lead isotopic analysis was also employed on other objects made of non-ferrous metals, silver and iron as well as melting and crucible remains that came
from the range of finds discovered at de Alcorrín as well as Acinipo, Ronda and Villa Vieja. 23 archaeologically contextualized objects were examined in order to establish their chemical and lead isotopic values. As a result, it is likely that iron production in Alcorrín made use of ore from locally exploited sites. The results concerning the possible origin of copper-based and lead/silver objects indicate the existence of a complex and large-scale economical network in the 8th century BC.
This pioneering study provides evidence for the dynamics of exploitation and processing of local ore resources, and for the circulation of metal in the hinterland of the Strait of Gibraltar (Málaga), whereby the economic power of the native elites and their relation to the Phoenician colonization at the end of the 9th/beginning of the 8th century BC becomes apparent.