DOI article:
Klappauf, Lothar: Studies of the development and structure of early metal production
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.56859#0046
22
Trade was not a one way road. Imports of roman pottery and coins indicate a
flourishing trade already in antiquity, which continues into later periods as for
example a romanesque candlestick (Fig. 23) originating probably from western
France shows us (Mende 1998, 145 sq.).
Development of mining and smelting in the Harz region
On the basis of current research, the development of mining and smelting in
the Harz can be summarised as follows. In contradiction of previous interpreta-
tions, a mining industry existed already in the first century BC which exploited
ores from the Upper Harz as well as the Rammelsberg deposits. There are several
indications of mining and smelting of ores from the Harz even in the Bronze
Ages.
During these times, the ore was carried to smelting centres over some dis-
tance. As the cause for this transport into the Harz foreland, we must assume the
existence of certain social structures that forced the smelters to work at super-
vised sites where charcoal was within reach.
Until the century AD we cannot see a change in these structures, al-
though the ores were mined without interruption. Relics of these are still being
discovered in the foreland.
Around 800 AD a centralisation of smelting sites seems to take place. Within
the settlement of Düna we can prove that the different smelters, which were in
operation until then, are now concentrated on a small peninsula forming a kind of
central smelting area.
In times of the Saxonian Emperors, a systematic opening of the Harz Moun-
tains becomes apparent. The German Empire attempted to control mining and
smelting. Small smelting sites existed in different parts of the mountains generally
favouring locations near small rivulets. Copper was smelted from Rammelsberg
ores and lead/silver from Upper Harz ores.
This organisational structure collapsed in parallel with the decline of the cen-
tral reign. Attempts of the Swabian dynasty of „Hohenstaufen“ to take control of
the mining and smelting regions resulted in clashes with the local aristocracy.
No later than 1200 AD a number of different owners had seized control of the
mines. They built small castles to protect their districts. The smelting sites now
used waterpower and are therefore located near small rivers.
Strategic moves of various institutions, for example the Cistercian monastery
of Walkenried in the southern Harz, lead to a further concentration of resources
and means of production. Smelting was concentrated in a few centres with huge
slagheaps still visible today. The excessive exploitation of wood and ores results
Trade was not a one way road. Imports of roman pottery and coins indicate a
flourishing trade already in antiquity, which continues into later periods as for
example a romanesque candlestick (Fig. 23) originating probably from western
France shows us (Mende 1998, 145 sq.).
Development of mining and smelting in the Harz region
On the basis of current research, the development of mining and smelting in
the Harz can be summarised as follows. In contradiction of previous interpreta-
tions, a mining industry existed already in the first century BC which exploited
ores from the Upper Harz as well as the Rammelsberg deposits. There are several
indications of mining and smelting of ores from the Harz even in the Bronze
Ages.
During these times, the ore was carried to smelting centres over some dis-
tance. As the cause for this transport into the Harz foreland, we must assume the
existence of certain social structures that forced the smelters to work at super-
vised sites where charcoal was within reach.
Until the century AD we cannot see a change in these structures, al-
though the ores were mined without interruption. Relics of these are still being
discovered in the foreland.
Around 800 AD a centralisation of smelting sites seems to take place. Within
the settlement of Düna we can prove that the different smelters, which were in
operation until then, are now concentrated on a small peninsula forming a kind of
central smelting area.
In times of the Saxonian Emperors, a systematic opening of the Harz Moun-
tains becomes apparent. The German Empire attempted to control mining and
smelting. Small smelting sites existed in different parts of the mountains generally
favouring locations near small rivulets. Copper was smelted from Rammelsberg
ores and lead/silver from Upper Harz ores.
This organisational structure collapsed in parallel with the decline of the cen-
tral reign. Attempts of the Swabian dynasty of „Hohenstaufen“ to take control of
the mining and smelting regions resulted in clashes with the local aristocracy.
No later than 1200 AD a number of different owners had seized control of the
mines. They built small castles to protect their districts. The smelting sites now
used waterpower and are therefore located near small rivers.
Strategic moves of various institutions, for example the Cistercian monastery
of Walkenried in the southern Harz, lead to a further concentration of resources
and means of production. Smelting was concentrated in a few centres with huge
slagheaps still visible today. The excessive exploitation of wood and ores results