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MINING IN SOUTH‐WEST GAUL AT THE CROSSROADS OF THE CELTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN WORLDS. THE CASE OF THE MINING AREA OF THE ARIZE MOUNTAINS (CENTRAL PYRENEES) DURING THE FOURTH AND THIRD CENTURIES BC
Author(s) -
Meunier Emmanuelle,
Luaces Max
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
oxford journal of archaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1468-0092
pISSN - 0262-5253
DOI - 10.1111/ojoa.12215
Subject(s) - celtic languages , archaeology , mediterranean climate , period (music) , copper mining , parallels , geography , ancient history , history , geology , art , copper , engineering , mechanical engineering , aesthetics , chemistry , organic chemistry
Summary This paper presents new data about the silver‐bearing copper mining area of the Arize (Central Pyrenees) during the fourth and third centuries BC. The identification of amphorae sherds from Magna Graecia and the Strait of Gibraltar region sheds new light on this metal production and confirms a systematic exploration of the ores before the end of the third century BC. At a regional scale, the existence of several mines operating between the fourth and third centuries BC also suggests a production that exceeded the local needs. Parallels can be drawn between this important raw metal production and the socio‐economic changes observed in Celtic Europe in the same period. We also point out the need for further in‐depth study of the economic situation of this region, lying at a crossroads between the Celtic and Mediterranean worlds.