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Orichalcum: Ancient Alloys Explored by Digital Library Numis (DLN) is a document available to read on EtoBox.

While orichalcum was first used by the Romans, copper alloys containing zinc were produced centuries earlier in Central Europe during the Early Bronze Age. Analyses of over 30 metal objects from this period found they contained between 4-22% zinc along with tin and sometimes lead. This shows zinc-copper alloys existed long before the Romans, though typically with lower zinc levels than later brasses. Orichalcum was a distinct alloy used by the Romans for coinage, with evolving compositions over time.

Author

Digital Library Numis (DLN)

Language

EN