During ancient times, iron was produced in a solid state in a blast furnace. The transformation of raw metal masses into finished objects is done by hot deformation. This work is carried out with simple tools (hammer, anvil and pliers) and produces specific waste (slag caps, scale and metal scraps). The identification of these residues by archaeologists and the establishment of analysis methods adapted to their interpretation are relatively recent. Developed in the 1990s and up until the early 2000s, the protocols for determining and studying this waste are now commonly applied in the context of programmed and preventive archaeology. The awareness of these often modest artisanal remains in the scientific community has led to an increase in reports. However, these discoveries – and the specialist studies that result from them – very rarely go beyond the scope of operational reports and there is a lack of publications to assess the knowledge acquired on the so-called post-reduction stages of the steelmaking process chain. The purpose of the conference to be held in Tours in June 2026 is therefore to bring together and publish case studies and summaries on the transformation of iron over time, from its origins to the industrial revolution in Western Europe, while offering a critical review of the methodologies used both in the field and in the laboratory.

This conference is expected to include papers and posters presenting case studies or syntheses on post-reduction work concerning the periods from the early Iron Age to the end of the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Methodological interventions on contexts belonging to other chrono-cultural areas may also be proposed for comparison. Presentations should address one or more of the themes developed below.

Theme 1: Characterization of structures and tools related to ironworking

The aim will be to present field approaches that highlight developments related to ironworking (soil, hearth, anvils, tuyeres, etc.) as well as tools specific to this activity. The methods presented may concern prospecting as well as surveys (diagnosis) or excavation as well as furniture studies (typology of objects). The objective is to specify the approaches to be adopted depending on the contexts (conservation or not of soil levels, exclusive presence of micro-waste, discharges, etc.).

Theme 2: Determination of the work carried out

The discussion will also focus on the criteria for determining the work carried out within the workshops. These are generally based on the cross-referencing of qualitative data from the examination and analysis of the residues discovered. The typologies used by each, as well as the interpretation of chemical composition analyses and microscope observations, are not, however, unequivocal. Presentations detailing the methodological approaches used or showing the limits of these approaches are expected.

Theme 3: Insertion of post-reduction activities into the economy

The discussion may be extended to the integration of steelmaking activities into the economy of the site that hosts them (rural establishments or agglomerations) or more broadly into the local or regional network. This perspective may in particular take into consideration the initial iron production areas; the supply of fuel or other raw materials used (bones, horns, leather, etc.); and the destination of the objects made as well as their mode of distribution. The objective here is to have data on the importance of production, its purpose and its structuring.

Theme 4: Comparative approach (experimental archaeology and ethnoarchaeology)

Finally, a comparative approach is highly desirable. This could be based on feedback from experimental archaeology, on collaboration between archaeologists and craftsmen working today or finally on ethnoarchaeological observations. The holding of demonstrations to support oral or poster presentations is planned for half a day of the conference. This will be organized according to the proposals received.

Florian Sarreste (Éveha – UR 15071 HeRMA), Solène Lacroix (Éveha – UMR 7324 CITERES – LAT), Matthieu Gautier (CD37, SADIL - UMR 7324 CITERES – LAT), Jean-Marie Laruaz (CD37, SADIL - UMR 7324 CITERES – LAT), Sylvie Crogiez Pétrequin (Université de Tours – UR 6298 CeTHiS) et Judikael Arnoux-Dougnac (Éveha).