Transitions in cast iron technology of the nomads in Mongolia

A technological transition in Mongolia evident in microstructure, chemical composition and radiocarbon age of cast iron artifacts

“…Sample numbers K1-K9 denote those artifacts from the Khitan sites, and M1-M7 denote those from Mongolian sites. Of the 16 artifacts, K1-K5 and M1-M3 have been reported in the previous papers (Gelegdorj et al, 2007;Chunag et al, 2006) where their microstructures were characterized and compared. Objects K1, M1, M2 and M3 are referred to as 4, 7, 5 and 6, respectively, in the 2007 paper.…”

“…Based on the textual evidence for a Khitan city in this location and the stylistic aspects of artifacts which are comparable to those from the contemporaneous Khitan fortresses, Perlee considered this site to be a Khitan military base constructed between 1000 and 1125 for the defense of the northern frontier (Perlee, 1959). He excavated the site in 1952-1953, and recovered (Gelegdorj et al, 2007). a Incorrectly given as Arkhangai in the 2007 paper (Gelegdorj et al, 2007).…”

“…He excavated the site in 1952-1953, and recovered (Gelegdorj et al, 2007). a Incorrectly given as Arkhangai in the 2007 paper (Gelegdorj et al, 2007). Table 1 …”

“…The plow fragment (K9) was recovered in several small pieces that are not shown in the figure, and one of them was used as a specimen. Specimen preparation and microstructure examination were performed following the procedures described in detail previously (Gelegdorj et al, 2007).…”

“…In recent papers (Gelegdorj et al, 2007;Chunag et al, 2006) we have compared the microstructures of cast iron objects from the Xiongnu (BC 3rd-AD 1st), Turk (AD 6th-8th), Khitan (AD 10th-12th) and Mongolian empire (AD 12th-15th) periods to show that a technological transition occurred in the cast iron industry of Mongolia during the Khitan period. This transition was characterized in the later medieval cast iron objects by a substantial reduction in carbon content, the addition of silicon (Si) as an alloying element, and the inclusion of numerous sulfide particles.…”