Estudo de um conjunto de machados metálicos do Norte de Portugal

Abstract

In this paper, the results of chemical analysis and metallographic examination carried out on ten metallic axes from different Bronze Age sites of Northern Portugal are presented: this heterogeneous group of artifacts consists of flat axes, palstaves and socketed axes. These metals are from different sites and results of ancient and incidental findings: this fact limits knowledge about the archaeological contexts of the artefacts. However, from a chronological point of view and based on typological considerations, the production of these axes encompasses a long period between the Middle Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age (XVII/VIII cent. BC).

By highlighting available archaeological information, this study aims to present and discuss the results of chemical analyses by X-ray Fluorescence and metallographic observations made with optical microprobe.