Decoding bronze production at Terramara Santa Rosa di Poviglio site (Bronze Age, N Italy): Insights from secondary production waste

During the Middle and Recent Bronze Age (c. 1350–1150/1100 BCE), the Terramare culture played a crucial role in the development of both regional and interregional trade networks of the Po Plain of northern Italy, particularly through the production and exchange of metal artefacts. While substantial research has focused on the bronze objects themselves, the technical aspects of metal production, such as refining, alloying and recycling methods, remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by analyzing a series of metallurgical by-products from the Terramara Santa Rosa di Poviglio site, including crucible fragments, and secondary metal remains. Utilizing Digital Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), we investigate the technical practices involved in copper and bronze production at the site. The results indicate the local processing of partially refined copper ingots, intentional alloying of copper and tin, and the recycling of bronze, demonstrating specialised metallurgical expertise. Moreover, these findings suggest that Santa Rosa di Poviglio was deeply integrated into long-distance trade networks, acquiring raw copper and tin for alloying and production of high-quality metal objects. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of Middle Recent Bronze Age metalworking practices and the socio-economic dynamics of the Terramare culture, paving the way for further studies on metallurgical techniques at other Bronze Age sites of the area to explore regional variations and broader economic connections.