Book description
It is arguable that Rome's success was largely due to its
unparalleled expertise with iron which enabled the production of all
manner of domestic, utilitarian and military artefacts. This detailed
study of the Roman iron industry, focusing primarily on Britain, uses
both archaeological evidence and experimental work to highlight the
enormous investment of time, labour and skill required in the
production process. Sim outines the various stages in the production
process from prospecting and mining, to the preparation of the ore,
fuel, smelting, and the production of artefacts, looking especially at
those associated with the military: shield bosses, swords, arrows,
chain mail, nails and so forth. This is a fully revised and updated
edition of the author's previous co-authored Iron for the Eagles.
Dr David Sim taught ancient technology to the departments of
Engineering and Archaeology at the University of Reading where he
holds a visiting research fellowship. He is widely published on the
subject of Roman metallurgy and is a Fellow of the Society of
Antiquaries. He has carried out research in Germany and Pompeii as
well as at several sites in the UK. He is also a working blacksmith!
