A recent study focused on three lead ingots found in the Los Escoriales de Doña Rama deposit in Belmez, Córdoba has shed light on the ancient mining industry in the region. Measuring around 45 centimeters long and weighing between 24 and 32 kilos, these triangular-shaped ingots date back to the first century A.D. The two of the ingots bear the identifying mark “S S,” which references the Societas Sisaponensis, a mining company based in La Bienvenida, known for cinnabar production but believed to have been headquartered in Cordoba, highlighting the significant mining activity in the central Sierra Morena area during the Roman period.
The triangular shape of the ingots optimized storage capacity, and the presence of the identifying mark suggested exportation. Analysis of the ingots’ chemical composition and stable isotopes revealed that they were desilvered and crafted from ore sourced from the Fuente Obejuna-Azuaga district, indicating a shared origin at the Doña Rama site. This finding further underscores Cordoba’s role as a major producer and exporter of lead ingots for Mediterranean trade. The study, led by the University of Cordoba and published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology, demonstrates the industrial and commercial significance of the region’s metallurgical networks in antiquity.
While most similar ingots are found at shipwreck sites on the Mediterranean seabed, the discovery of these ingots at their production site is unusual and raises questions about the circumstances that led to their deposition there. The research team collaborated with specialists from Université Toulouse, who have expertise in studying ingot composition from Mediterranean shipwrecks, revealing that a significant portion of these ingots had ties to the Fuente Obejuna-Azuaga district. This reinforces Cordoba’s historical importance as a leading producer and exporter of lead ingots, providing insight into the region’s industrialization and commercial capabilities during ancient times.
The study is part of the MEI-Heritage Project, which aims to investigate the heritage landscape of the Beturia de los Túrdulos/Conventus Cordubensis region and is supported by the Junta de Andalucía’s PAIDI 2020 research initiative and the University of Cordoba’s Heritage Sciences Research and Transfer Unit. Additionally, it contributes to the Production and Circulation of Goods in the Southern Rim of the Meseta project, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. These projects highlight the interdisciplinary approach taken to explore the historical significance of mining and metallurgy in the region, offering valuable insights into ancient economic activities and regional trade networks.
Overall, the study of these lead ingots from Belmez provides a unique perspective on the industrial capabilities of ancient Cordoba and its role in the production and export of metals during the Roman period. The presence of the identifying mark on the ingots, their chemical composition, and the shared origin point to a sophisticated and interconnected network of metallurgical activities that extended beyond the local region. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent of mining and metallurgical practices in the area, but these findings offer a glimpse into the economic importance and technological advancements of ancient Cordoba.
