All articles tagged with #meteoritic iron
Archaeologists studying the 3,000-year-old Treasure of Villena in Spain identified two iron items made from meteoritic iron, marking the first known use of space-derived metal in the Iberian Peninsula and suggesting Bronze Age elites prized a rare meteorite material before terrestrial iron became widespread.
Testing two ferrous-looking items from the Villena Treasure—the hollow iron hemisphere and a bracelet—found evidence they are made of meteoritic iron, indicated by nickel content measured despite heavy corrosion. Dating places them around 1400–1200 BCE, earlier than the Iberian Iron Age’s terrestrial iron production (~850 BCE), suggesting advanced metallurgical skills in Iberia over 3,000 years ago. While the results are not conclusive due to corrosion, non-invasive methods could further confirm the meteoritic origin and timing.
Researchers discovered that two corroded artifacts from the 1200-1400 BCE Villena Treasure in Spain are made from meteoritic iron, indicating advanced metalworking techniques involving meteorite material in Iberia over 3,000 years ago.
Researchers have discovered that two corroded artifacts from the Treasure of Villena, an ancient Iberian Bronze Age cache, are made from meteoritic iron, suggesting advanced metalworking techniques in Iberia over 3,000 years ago. This finding, published in January, indicates that the artifacts date back to around 1400 to 1200 BCE, predating the widespread use of terrestrial iron in the region.
Researchers studying the Treasure of Villena, a collection of treasures from the Iberian Bronze Age, have discovered evidence of meteoritic iron relics within, challenging previous assumptions about ancient civilizations' technological prowess. The artifacts, dating back to 1500-1200 BCE, predate the Iron Age and suggest sophisticated metalworking techniques. Advanced analytical techniques revealed that a bracelet and a hollow hemisphere were crafted from meteoritic iron, indicating a level of technological advancement previously unrecognized in Bronze Age societies. The corroded state of the artifacts presents challenges for conclusive analysis, but future non-invasive techniques may elucidate the origins and composition of these ancient space metal treasures, reshaping our understanding of the technological landscape of the Bronze Age.
A pair of corroded objects from the Iberian Bronze Age, found in the Treasure of Villena, have been discovered to be made of iron from meteorites, suggesting advanced metalworking technology in Iberia over 3,000 years ago. The objects, a bracelet and a hollow hemisphere decorated with gold, were previously thought to be made of terrestrial iron, posing a dating dilemma. However, testing revealed a high nickel content, characteristic of meteoritic iron, placing the artifacts in the Late Bronze Age period. Further non-invasive techniques could provide more conclusive evidence for this significant archaeological discovery.
A 3,000-year-old treasure hoard found in Villena, Spain, includes items made of meteoritic iron, such as a bracelet and a possible sword pommel, predating widespread knowledge of iron metallurgy. Researchers tested the iron's composition and found a high probability of its meteoritic origin. This discovery suggests that ancient humans used iron from fallen meteorites to create precious items before the rise of iron metallurgy. Further analysis may reveal the origins of the remarkable trove and shed light on the wearers of these ancient luxury goods.