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Origins

Key Debate 1: Single or Multiple Origins for Copper Metallurgy in Eurasia?

The appearance of copper ores and native copper throughout Eurasia (Roberts et al. 2009, Figure 1a)

The smelting of copper ores represents the earliest metallurgy - transformation of matter - in Europe and Asia.

It is traditionally interpreted as having been discovered only once (Wertime 1964). However, the application of radiocarbon dating led to a challenge of this model with multiple inventions proposed - including one independent trajectory of metallurgy in the Balkans (Renfrew 1969). 

The spread of copper smelting throughout Eurasia (Roberts et al. 2009, Figure 1b)

Two recent re-assessments of archaeological and archaeometallurgical evidence, both by members of the project, led to opposing interpretations.

This project seeks to make a major contribution to the debate on single vs. multiple origins of copper metallurgy (Roberts et al. 2009; and Radivojević et al. 2010 for opposing views).