In this paper a collection of iron objects from the Anatolian Seljuks Period, ca. 12th–13th century AD, are analysed and discussed from a metallurgical perspective. A total number of 21 iron-steel objects, small knives and flat bodied (with thin cross-section) arrowheads was examined. These objects are coming from the Seljuks’ cultural layers of Eğirdir (Isparta, Central Anatolian Caravanserai), Kubad Abad (Konya, Central Anatolian Sultan’s Palace Complex), and Samsat (Adıyaman, Eastern Anatolian Fortress). In the samples which were taken from iron tools, composite-like structures formed by different ferrous phases were revealed by metallography, SEM-EDX and micro hardness examinations. These structures are classified according to the production materials and techniques. The first group revealed signs of continuous forging and, in some cases, bloomery iron folding, which can lead to such composite-like structures. The second group consisted of tools which were produced from different starting materials which were forge-welded before or during shaping process. The crucible steel knives can be classified as another group, in which the composite-like structure exhibits totally different constituents leading to more homogeneous mechanical character. In modern times, composite materials have gained importance and become key engineering materials due to their outstanding specific properties. This study reveals that skilled Seljuks’ blacksmiths made similar materials design choices in the production of iron or steel objects, despite limited materials and metallurgical knowledge.
In Medieval Ages the most efficient offensive arms were used to be, undoubtedly, arrows and bows. Besides the other factors; shape, weight and production material of an arrowhead which is the main responsible part of arrow for physical injury of the target, are the factors effecting shooting capabilities. Properties of iron/steel arrowheads i.e. carbon amount or hardness values, hardening techniques, refinement level of the smithing material, create the technical specifications which are determinant for the choice of arrows in acts like hunting, battle or training. Technical specifications of arrowheads effect the defensive precautions of rivals like using special armor types, as well. In the end, the effects of arrowheads on offensive capabilities of armies and even determining the victorious side can be discussed. There are no studies on comparisons of technical properties of arms in the chaotic history of Medieval Ages. One of the reasons for this deficiency is the narrow sided look of researches to the topic and the other one is mixed contexts of archaeological finds which cannot present clear scientific information. More than this, there is no comparison study of arms belonging to two neighbour forces in Medieval Anatolia; Byzantines and Anatolian Seljuks. Although there used to be a great hostility which includes crusades, between those two powers, the lack of studies over arm production technologies which effect the fate of the battles, is interesting. To realize such a study is only possible by approaching to the topic from morphology, archaeo-metallurgy and terminology of the archaeological finds. Amorium (Hisar) which is one of the most important Byzantine settlements located in the vicinity of modern town Afyon-Emirdağ, is an archaeological site reserving arrowheads belonging to that rival and Early Islamic arrowheads shot during the Arab attacks in 9th century. In this study, 16 arrowheads from Amorium were discussed from morphologic, archaeo-metallurgical and terminologic perspectives. Finds were introduced, one by one, with detailed information about their find context, dimension, weight, morphology, terminology and typology at the catalog section. Discussed objects were classified according to their formal properties and compared with contemporary examples. From the terms, mentioned at arrow leaflets and warfare books belonging to related period, the proper ones fitting in the technical specifications of examined objects were presented. 5 of the arrowheads were examined by using archaeometric methods. Light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX) revealed the micro-structures and other material properties of the samples. As the result of the study, the information got from those three different perspectives, were compared with other information from contemporary objects and the place of Amorium arrowheads in medieval ones were presented. . 15 Bizans imparatorluk sülalesine ev sahipliği yapmış olan İmparatorlar Michael (M.S. 820-829), Teophilos ...
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The number of studies on comparisons of technical features of arms in the sophisticated history of Medieval Ages is very limited. One of the reasons for this deficiency is the disregard of this topic in researches, and another reason is that the unclear information about the layers of archaeological finds. Such is the case for Medieval Anatolia as well. Excavation finds like knives, arrowheads and spearheads are not included in the interpretations of war history. Understanding the war technology of Crusaders, Seljuks and Mongols can only be possible by morphologic, archaeo-metallurgical and terminological examinations of the original excavation finds. In this study 64 arrowheads, which were revealed during the 1993, 2006 and 2007 excavations at Gıyaseddin Keyhusrev II Caravanserai, Isparta-Eğirdir, were discussed in morphologic, archaeo-metallurgical, and terminological perspectives. The finds were evaluated by their layer contexts, dimension, weight, morphology, terminology and typology features; they were classified in accordance with their figural features and compared with contemporary examples. Discussions and proposals were made about naming the types with proper technical terms which are mentioned in arrow treatises and warfare books related to the period. 8 of these arrowheads were examined by using archaeometric methods, their micro-structures and the others were determined by the use of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS). Apart from the other published medieval arrowheads the samples subjected in this study are the first samples to be directly dated in light of the stratigraphic data collected from the layer contexts that were found in the excavation. Thus, the different types of arrowheads determined by this study are significant in means of the data collected from their technological features such as internal structure and hardness, for a comparative study with other contemporary samples, and building a data base on the technique data of Anatolian Seljuk arrowheads.
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