Göltepe Excavations

This detailed account of Göltepe Excavations explores the significant findings from an Early Bronze Age miners' village and its associated tin mine.

This volume presents a comprehensive study of over fifteen years (1981-1996) of archaeometallurgy surveys focusing on the excavations of the Early Bronze Age miners' village, Göltepe, and its associated tin mine, Kestel, located in the central Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. The research highlights the significance of these sites in understanding ancient metal production and mining practices.

The findings from surface surveys, test pit operations, profile trenches, and excavation artifacts reveal that the primary function of activities at Göltepe was the processing of cassiterite-rich ore. Numerous lines of evidence, including the variety and density of tin-rich vitrified crucibles and ground tin-rich ore, underscore the site's role in metal production. The excavation yielded a wealth of artifacts, such as multifaceted molds, ingots, and tin bronze items, showcasing the advanced metallurgical practices of the time.

Additionally, the volume estimates approximately 50,000 ground stone tools used for ore dressing and grinding, with around 5,000 recovered from excavated contexts. The Early Bronze Age sites of Göltepe and Kestel Mine represent a unique example of the highland production model, illustrating the industrial tier of extraction and processing of raw materials for metal artifacts. This model encompasses mining and smelting operations in the metalliferously rich ore deposits of the mountainous region, providing valuable insights into ancient industrial practices.