Hidden riches in the early medieval Rhine delta: iron working at Merovingian Oegstgeest

Résumé En

Increased study of the Early Medieval Rhine Delta has forced a reappraisal of the socio-economic role of the region’s rural settlements. Far from isolated backwaters, excavations at these sites have found extensive production and importation of quality goods, some from as far afield as the Mediterranean. However, many aspects of these sites remain poorly understood. This paper focuses on such a site: the 6th-8th century settlement at Oegstgeest (Netherlands) and is particularly interested in the remains of iron working. This study was undertaken with two goals in mind: understanding the techniques and materials available at Oegstgeest and elucidating networks of iron supply available to the settlement. This information was then used to consider the role of the settlement within its wider society. Thirteen iron finds and twenty-three slags were studied using optical microscopy, SEM-EDX and Raman spectrometry. This established the use of quality iron, advanced forging techniques like welding and quenching as well as tandem iron and copper working. The slag inclusions in the iron samples underwent additional analysis to establish the origin of the iron used at the site. This found Swabia in Southern Germany as a likely source for three finds, with a fourth showing a potential match with South-Eastern Belgium. However most samples did not match any of the considered sources of iron. In summary, not only were quality materials and skilled smiths present at Oegstgeest but the settlement fully benefited from its integration in local and regional trade networks.