FOR THE ATTRIBUTION OF HISTORICAL-ECONOMIC TERMS IN PALEOMETALLURGY

Abstract

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the problematic issues of defining and differentiating terminology related to paleometallurgy. The aim of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and systematization of technological processes involved in ancient metallurgical production, grounded in historical-economic data.

It should be noted that certain terms denoting ancient metallurgy and metal production acquire distinct meanings depending on the technological and operational characteristics of mining-metallurgical associations. Their content often reflects the methodological approaches of historical-metallurgical studies of a given metallogenic region and in most cases does not reflect the historical process to which the studied objects belong. Consequently, the clarification and precise explanation of these terms become essential.

The research area focuses on the Caucasus region during Bronze Age, which, from a historical-cultural perspective, is divided into three major metallurgical centers: The North Caucasus, Central, and Lesser Caucasus metallurgical centers.

The research employs an interdisciplinary method - integrating archaeology, geology, mining, chemistry, engineering-technical and mathematical statistics criteria for the metallurgical achievements.

The developed terminological system, which is based on the analysis of the work-organizational structure, production scales, and geographical distribution of paleometallurgical sites, enables an objective evaluation and classification of metallurgical achievements. Individual terms can be effectively applied both to present the achievements of metallurgical centers operating on the territory of Georgia and to assess the cultural achievements of the Caucasus-Western Asia region and the metallurgical province around the Black Sea.