Prähistorische Kupfergewinnung in Derekutuğun, Anatolien

In the context of the DFG research project “Early mining and metallurgy of Anatolia” fieldwork was conducted in 2009-11. The aims were the sampling and characterisation of ore deposits and the documentation of prehistoric to antique remains of mining. Trace elements and lead isotopes formed the basis for answering questions of the provenience of metals. Beside this basic research, special investigations were made at the copper deposits of Derekutuğun and the tin deposits of Hisarcık. Early mining evidence at Derekutuğun since the 1st half of the 3rd mill. justified major montane-archaeological excavations inside the mines from 2010-11 which were analysed in 2012-14 and are presented here. The evidence is divided into sections on the history of the province and of research, the geography, geology, and ores, the mines including their small finds [pottery, kindlings, wooden picks, stone implements], wares, types, decoration, and function of pottery vessels, the dating by means of organic remnants [EBA II: 2900-2550 B.C., particularly 2850-2700] as well as the native and mineralised copper with its high percentages of the elements of Ag, Au and V. In 2015 fieldwork has been resumed.