Medieval metallurgy

Articles of the cast iron from the territory of Yelets principality (situated on the right bank of the Upper Don) have not been the object of study hitherto. During the time of many years' excavations and prospecting, mostly by Yelets state university, the imposing collection of these articles, containing 49 fragments and descending from eight monuments, has been formed. These monuments are situated on the left bank of the Fast Sosna lower stream, where Yelets principality was formed in the late XIV century. The finds are systemically introduced into the scientific circulation for the first time. The main tasks are connected with clearing up the spreading of the main types of cauldrons and the period of their existing. In the analysis we use the classification by K.A. Rudenko, which takes into account the shape of the vessels. According to it the articles are divided into three groups. The vessels of groups 2 and 3, which have a profiled form, prevail in number. There are some observations of the cast–iron cauldrons making technology. The cast–iron vessel was not spread in the basin
of the Fast Sosna before the middle of the XIV century. The period of its existence comes in the second half of the XIV century. And its peak spread is the last quarter of the XIV century, but this does not mean it was not used in housekeeping later on.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The new technologies of the diffusion vacuum welding (DVW) of aluminum alloys and titanium alloys have been considered. The aim of the paper is to study the special features of the processes of the formation of the structure and phases in the diffusion vacuum welding of an aluminum alloy with a titanium alloy, as well as the establishment of scientific foundations of obtaining welded joints by optimizing their structure and the phase composition. For the study of diffusion and recrystallization processes at the DVW, the specimens of AMg6 and WTi6 were welded without the AD1 interlayer and with its application. The metallographic studies were performed using an Auger microprobe equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer of the INCA system on the sections of welded joints produced by ion etching. Due to the negative impact of magnesium, it is not possible to obtain a welded joint of the WTi6 titanium alloy with the AMg6 aluminum alloy without the aluminum interlayer. The initial AMg6 structure of the banded type is converted into grains of different sizes and shapes in the process of welding. At the area of the joint with the interlayer in the AMg6 alloy they have more equiaxed shape and smaller dimensions. In the AD1 alloy, there are oxide type globular inclusions of the production origin. The structure of the WTi6 titanium alloy does not change during the welding process and consists of the primary grains elongated along the rolled metal of the predominant form factor 2. The secondary structure is the α-phase plates with layers of the β-phase along the boundaries of the plates and primary grains. The results of the study are of interest in making products for the aviation and space industries. They are to meet the stringent requirements for preservation of the initial size of the details, which is only possible if there are no notable deformations. The determined regularities allowed developing the welding technology to obtain high-quality welded joints using the diffusion vacuum welding. The number of areas with defects is no more than 5 % of the total area of the joint, where the intermetallic compounds are not formed at the junction of the interlayer and the titanium alloy.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

Microorganisms are known for their ability to adapt easily to any environment, forming specific ecosystems capable of surviving in harsh media. White phosphorus is one of the most dangerous and toxic pollutants, whose widespread use for various industrial and military purposes creates conditions for environmental pollution. It has previously been shown that some microbial cultures can adapt to the presence of white phosphorus in the environment, oxidizing it to a phosphate and then using it as a source of biogenic macronutrients. In prior studies, we have demonstrated the possibility of white phosphorus biodegradation by the fungal strains of Aspergillus niger. However, it is important to study the resistance of this species to such a toxic substance as white phosphorus. There may be several probable mechanisms, including the following: the cell wall of the fungus is a barrier to the penetration of white phosphorus into the cell, in which case an increase in the thickness of the cel...

The site is located in the vicinity of Brestnitsa village, Lovech municipality. During the months of May – July, complete excavations were carried out at the servitude of the Hemus Motorway route and the road junction “Boaza”.
A layer with evidence of ancient habitation lies right under the humus. The layer is characterised by a large quantity of small-sized household pottery sherds, small pieces of burnt clay and charcoal. Buildings made of stones without solder and traces of wooden constructions were uncovered. They belong to the еastern periphery of a settlement dated to the second half of the 2nd – mid-3rd c. AD.
Most impressive among the discovered structures is a large antique ceramic kiln with preserved stoke pit, stoking channel, support, combustion (lower) chamber and parts of a perforated (oven) floor. The kiln is dug into the ancient terrain and its entrance is located to the west. During its last use, the eastern half of the perforated floor collapsed and part of the production fell into the lower chamber.
Furthermore, three dugout dwellings with a rectangular plan and four household ovens were found. Radiocarbon measurements show dates belonging to the Middle Ages, the mid-7th – 9th c. AD. Three more kilns for processing iron ore were discovered. Belonging to the Medieval period are also three graves, most likely part of a Christian necropolis.
The majority of finds are pottery sherds dated mainly to the Roman period and fewer dated to the Early Middle Ages and small-sized metal objects. The main vessel shapes are pots, bowls and plates attributed to the table and kitchenware categories.
The rescue excavations of Site No. 4 were completed and the site is turned over for construction work.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized the gemstones adorning the Cross, the cameos, the gold, silver, jasper and glass parts, to derive indications on their provenance, authenticity and dating issues. All the results were shared with the whole collaboration of experts, which included art historians, a restorer, a conservator, a scholar in ancient glyptic, gemologists, archaeometallurgists, physicists and scientists in a very fruitful exchange of knowledge. This work is an example of a real multidisciplinary research, gathering good practices in the study of a complex piece of art.

In the research presented, an analysis was made of the results of the determination of the chemical composition and structural features of 12 fragments of cast iron cookware found in the Chertovo settlement, Komarovka 1, Beketovka, Moshaik, Bolshoy Tolchin and Selitrenovoye settlements (Astrakhan region). Methods of optical emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. The main technological aspects of the production of cast iron cookwares from the Golden Horde settlements of the Lower Volga are revealed. In addition, two types of cast iron cookwares are distinguished in chemical composition with a preliminary binding of one of them to local raw materials.

In 2017, the CXCII excavation continued the study of one of the sections of the central part of the Bolgar fortified settlement (10–15 cc.), located 80 meters to the south-west of the Cathedral Mosque. The investigated area was 304 m², on which 190 objects were investigated. The collected collection of individual finds and mass material includes numerous household items, glass ornaments, coins, fragments of irrigation utensils, entirely preserved ceramics, iron, non-ferrous metals. Of particular interest are 20 valves of stone molds of varying degrees of preservation, as well as items for trade: folding scales and weights, including the eastern type. From the layer of the Golden Horde time, there is a significant amount of amber raw amber, fragments, semis and products – beads and pendants, which indicates the presence of a workshop for processing amber. The new data allow us to speak about the existence in the Golden Horde time in the territory to the southwest of the Cathedral Mosque of a vast trade and craft quarter, where jewelers, bone carvers, glass craftsmen, ambers and traders lived. In the pre-Mongol period (10–12 cc.), there were estates specializing in iron production in this sector, as evidenced by the complex of metallurgical furnaces and the accumulation of crushed iron ore (over 50 kg).

Paris experienced huge growth in the 13th century, going from 25 000 residents around 1180 to over 220 000 in 1328. As the capital of the Kingdom of France, the city was home to a wide number of officers who worked for the kingdom's central institutions and the grand patrician manors where the court would sojourn whenever the King spent time in Paris; yet, the majority of the population worked for a living in manufacturing and trade.
The late 13th to early 14th century also marked a period of time during which active standardization and societal regulation occurred, especially in economic activities. The Livre des metiers by Étienne Boileau started a movement towards the systematic recording of the various trades and craft regulations. This trend is clearly documented with the seven Roles de la taille parisiens (lists of taxpayers) of the reign of Philippe le Bel.
Along with other written records of working practices, these sources enable us to identify exactly which crafts were involved in copper working and which activities were carried out in Paris. Additionally, the texts allow us to pin-point these craftsmen in their social setting by utilizing a twofold approach identifying both the details of their personal fortune and their status in the economic environment.       
Keywords: written records, archaeology, workshop, craft, social history, topography

The goal of the investigation is to develop a technology for the production of iron-silicon alloys of various compositions in the high-temperature synthesis mode by means of joint aluminothermic reduction of a previously mechanochemically activated charge. The importance and urgency of the work presented is to obtain valuable iron silicides from secondary raw materials using advanced and efficient technology - mechanochemistry and SHS metallurgy. As a cheap raw material for the production of various silicides, the converter slag of the Alaverdi Copper Smelting Plant with an iron content of 37.8 % on the one hand and, the molybdenum slags of the Yerevan Pure Iron Plant containing 36.83 % silicon on the other hand are used. The study was carried out at the following mass concentrations of molybdenum and converter slags: 0.5: 1; 1: 1; 3: 1; 3.5: 1; 4: 1 and 5: 1. It was shown that the increase in the amount of silicon and aluminum simultaneously with the reduction of the iron amount by changing the ratio of converter and molybdenum slags, the amount of reducing agent, CaO and NaNO3 in the charge leads not only to a decrease in the strength and deterioration of the silicide structure, but also to a deterioration in their quality. In all cases, a good result is the ratio of converter and molybdenum slags = 3: 1 or more, in which the resulting silicides have a finely dispersed
structure, are strong and homogeneous with a high yield of the alloy. Optimal conditions of the HS were chosen to ensure the maximum yield of different silicides.

В статье рассматривается современное состояние археологических памятников Ре-спублики Татарстан как рукотворной и неотъемлемой части культурного ландшафта Согласно директиве ЮНЕСКО, «культурный ландшафт» понимается не просто как результат совместного деятельности человека и природы, а как природно-культурный территориальный комплекс, имеющий структурную, функциональную целостность, развивающийся в конкретных физико-географических, культурных и исторических условиях. В качестве объектов исследования были выбраны средневековые поселения (городища) с системой оборонительных укреплений, которые легко идентифицировать по данным дистанционного зондирования. Выявление и оценка рисков разрушения памятников являются приоритетом в изучении объектов культурного наследия. По-скольку большинство памятников расположено на берегах малых рек, первой задачей исследования было оценить риск их разрушения природными (опасными экзогенны-ми) процессами. Вторая задача заключалась в оценке роли антропогенного фактора в разрушении археологических объектов. Одним из основных используемых методов является поиск и анализ архивных и современных данных дистанционного зондирова-ния. Данный подход позволяет скорректировать форму поселений, уточнить их размер и местоположение в ландшафте, тем самым решается задача по актуализации инфор-мации об объектах культурного наследия. Результаты исследований, впервые для Ре-спублики Татарстан, помогут выявить произошедшие и текущие изменения состояния памятников и получить количественную оценку рисков их разрушения для определе-ния приоритетных участков для проведения охранно-спасательных работ. Ключевые слова: археология, культурное наследие, антропогенный фактор, экзо-генные процессы, дистанционное зондирование, аэрофотосъемка, геоинформацион-ные системы, городища, средневековье.

The article considers the modern condition of the archaeological monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan as an essential manmade part of the cultural landscape. According to UNESCO directive, the “cultural landscape” is considered not only as a result of cooperation between man and nature, but also as a natural and cultural territorial complex with a structural and functional integrity developing in specific physical and geographical, cultural and historical conditions. Medieval fortified settlements with a system of defensive fortifications which are easily identified on the basis of remote sensing data were selected as research subjects. The identification and evaluation of monument destruction risks are a priority in the investigation of cultural heritage sites. Due to the fact that most of the monuments are located on the banks of minor rivers, the primary task of investigation was the assessment of the risk of their destruction as a result of natural (dangerous exogenous) processes. The second objective was to evaluate the role of the human factor in the destruction of archaeological sites. One of the main utilized techniques is the search and analysis of archival and modern remote sensing data. This approach allows to correct settlement shapes, confirm their sizes and location in the landscape, thus resolving the issue of updating the information on cultural heritage sites. For the first time in the Tatarstan Republic, investigation results will allow to determine the past and current changes in the condition of the monuments and conduct a quantitative assessment of the risks of their destruction prior to the determination of priority regions for the performance of salvage and rescue excavations.

The work deals with the results of interdisciplinary research of cast iron dishware from the town of Juketau – one of the large towns of Volga Bolgaria which continued to exist in the period of the Ulus of Jochi (the Golden Horde). Information of dishware morphology are represented in the article. The archaeometric research is based on the investigation of the microstructure of cast iron samples with surface mapping using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The microelemental composition was determined with the use of emission spectral analysis (ESA). The characteristics of the production technology were revealed as a result of studying the elemental and phase composition across the area of the transverse fracture and longitudinal polished section. The results of spectral analysis allow single out two primary groups with different trace impurities characterizing the distinctive features of raw material.