Iron (Topoi A-5)

The use of raw materials reveals clear connections between the knowledge of space and technological knowledge. An excellent example of this is the use of iron ore; iron extraction and processing requires not only knowledge of the location of concrete iron ore deposits, but also reliable knowledge of the complex smelting process.

In a process spanning many centuries, iron smelting technologies spread from Anatolia in the 3rd millennium BC to reach the cultures of the northern Central European lowlands in the 4th c. BC. The projects carried out in research group A-5 focued on questions concerning the introduction and development of these innovations in various cultural situations and regions. This involved examining social integration as well as specific technological developments and ways of managing resources.