The Roman invasion introduces new alloys and
metallurgical practices in Iberian Peninsula. The southwestern
end of this region has many evidences of connections
with the Roman World, but there are no studies
about the manufacture and use of copper-based artefacts
during this period. Therefore, a set of about 20 ornaments,
tools and small attachments recovered at the Roman sites
of Monte Molia˜o and Cidade das Rosas was studied by an
analytical approach combining micro-EDXRF, optical
microscopy, SEM–EDS and Vickers microhardness testing.
The artefact composition shows a good correlation
with function, namely pure copper for nails and rivets, lowtin
bronze (2–6 wt% Sn) for basic tools, high-tin bronze
(14 wt% Sn) for fibulae and high-lead bronze (19 wt% Pb)
for a decorated jug handle. The manufacture also depends
on function because most artefacts were subjected to
thermomechanical processing, except the ornaments that
would not benefit from post-casting work. Brass and gunmetal
were only present in the site with a later chronology.
A metallurgy visibly ruled by economical, aesthetical and
technological concerns reinforces the evidences about the
total integration of Southwestern Iberian Peninsula in the Roman World, but further studies will be essential to
determine the evolution of copper-based alloys in Lusitania
under Roman influence.
