Complex Metallurgy of the Bronze Age-Iron Age Transition - Manufacturing methods of Iron Swords from Northwestern Iran

In consequence of a recent trafficking operation stopped by the Border Force in the UK a large number of artefacts from Iran became available for study, the majority of which can be dated stylistically to Iron Age I and II (ca. 1250-800 BC). Before they are repatriated, a PhD research will be conducted at Cranfield University, jointly funded by ISIS. It will examine the Bronze Age to Iron Age transition in Iran, focusing on complex metallurgical techniques. It is proposed that a few iron swords, belonging to a group of weapons known as mask swords, be analysed with neutron diffraction to establish their de facto composition by measuring their carbon content and to investigate the working conditions of the metal by distinguishing phases such as cementite and ferrite. This analysis will provide understanding of the knowledge and techniques of ancient Iranian smiths in the Iron Age.