Pillars of power : Silver and steel of the Ottoman Empire

Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.9, No.2, 2009, pages 71-85

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Pages:
71-85
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Abstract:
The Ottoman Empire was forged over disintegrating Byzantium, stretching across Anatolia and the Balkans and ruled for almost five centuries. One crucial parameter that allowed for its quick expansion has been a combination of economic wealth and superiorityof armed forces. The Ottomans succeeded in both sectors by promoting innovative technology in the field of silver and steel production for supplying their monetary system and weapons industry. Rich mines and smelting workshops provided increasedoutput in metals, allowing for quick expansion and economic growth. Some of the major centres for silver and steel production are being discussed in this paper in conjunction with analytical data from smelting residues.
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Keywords:
mining, smelting, corvée, samakov, foundry, slag, speiss
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Περιέχει εικόνες και σχήματα