As part of the Distinguished Virtual Seminar Series in Archaeological Science, the Cranfield Forensic Institute will host Dr Kunlong Chen (USTB) and Yaxiong Liu (Henan) for a talk entitled:
Iron production in the Guanzhong Plain during Warring States period China
Through the scientific study of archaeological iron unearthed from Qin civilian cemeteries and workshops across the Guanzhong Plain, it has been demonstrated that the iron production in the Qin state was predominantly based on cast iron smelting from the later stage of the middle Warring States period, with multiple technical pathways developed to cost-effectively produce various types of iron products. The mould casting process was adopted for producing most of the daily use artefacts and farming implements, with controlled cooling and annealing process applied to improve the mechanical strength of cast iron. Annealing and chaogang/fining techniques were used to convert cast iron into soft iron/steel, then further manufacture into tools and weapons through the forging process. Through the comparison between different technological choices, it has been demonstrated that the whole technological system was developed based on the aim to achieve optimum cost-effectiveness with the available techniques, while the technological tradition and cultural preferences also played key roles for the adoption of such an iron production system.
The event will be held via Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting details.Location and travel details
Virtual attendance via Zoom.
Who should attend
All are welcome.
How to register
To register for this event please complete the online form.
