The Iberian Pyrite Belt In Time of Augustus

Abstract

The Iberian Pyrite Belt is one of the most outstanding ore provinces with major content of metals in the world with significant reserves of zinc, copper, silver and gold. This richness in metals determined its labour since ancient times. It was from Augustus age when the most of the mines were put in operation and began the exploitation of copper lodes in a large-scale. There are many evidences of Roman mining works: galleries, shafts, chambers and drainage apparatus (Ctesibius pump, Archimedes screw and water wheels). They were found by mining engineers in the 19th and early 20th century. We have to wait until the middle of the last century to find the earliest research with archaeological method developed. The result of these studies helped to improve the knowledge of how the exploration and exploitation of such a large mining area was developed during the reign of Princeps.

Keywords

• faja pirítica ibérica. minería. romana. metalurgia. cobre. plata