Study of the early silver metal extraction in a proto-industrial context

This research aims at a critical review of the early silver metal extraction process in a proto-industrial context, both experimentally and theoretically, in order to gain a better insight into the whole early silver production chain. A dual methodological approach will be used: 1. A modern pyrometallurgical approach based on: - thermodynamics and kinetics, - smelting furnace and heat balance modeling, - oxidation and reduction experiments on argentiferous minerals, - cupellation experiments. 2. A contextual archeological approach based on: - the “Thorikos – Laurion” case study (Greek context), - the 'Cartagena” case study (Punic – Roman context), - archeometallurgical examination of the case study data sets consisting of ores, tailings, slags, litharges, furnace and cupel remains, etc.