Archaeologists from Japan have uncovered remarkable evidence in central Türkiye that could transform our understanding of early iron production. Led by Professor Sachihiro Omura from the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology, the team discovered heated iron ore in a Bronze Age layer dating back approximately 4,200 years, as reported by Japan’s NHK public broadcaster.
Early Ironmaking Experiments
The discovery was made at the Kaman-Kalehoyuk archaeological site, where Japanese researchers have conducted excavations for four decades. During their analysis of metal fragments found in the northern section of the site, an electron microscope revealed that two samples consisted of heated iron ore, while another was classified as artificial iron. These findings suggest that ancient Anatolian civilizations may have been testing iron production techniques well before the start of the Iron Age.
Iron Production Before the Hittites
It has long been believed that large-scale ironmaking began with the Hittite Empire around 3,400 years ago. However, the recent discovery indicates that attempts to produce iron may have started nearly a thousand years earlier. Researchers speculate that early metallurgists could have adapted methods from copper and bronze smelting to experiment with ironworking.
Additionally, the excavation revealed about ten furnaces within the same layer. Ongoing research will determine whether these structures were used for iron production, potentially offering new insights into the origins of metallurgy in Anatolia.
A Landmark Discovery in Metalworking History
Professor Omura highlighted the importance of the findings, suggesting that early iron production efforts in Anatolia may date back significantly further than previously believed.
The research team is set to present its findings at the Tokyo National Museum on March 9, contributing valuable knowledge to the study of ancient technology and metalworking.
