Archaeometallurgical investigations into the iron production technology in Upper Lusatia, Saxony, from the early Iron Age (Billendorf period) to the 12th century A.D.

Limonitic bog iron ore deposits in Upper Lusatia were used by local people from prehistoric to historic times to produce iron by the bloomery process on a small scale, using in-ground smelting hearths and, later, above-ground shaft furnaces. Two types of bog iron ore can be distinguished by their Mn and Ba contents. The slags show 30-55 wt.% Fe, pointing to a rather inefficient iron recovery technology.