Research on Iron and Steel Technology in Central Plains and Northern Areas of Han and Jin Dynasties

Author: Chen Jianguo, Han Rujin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: In recent decades, with the development of field archaeology, archaeometallurgy, as an important branch of technological archaeology, has also made significant progress through various efforts. The history of steel metallurgy has always been one of the key research topics in archaeometallurgy. The discovery and use of iron mark an important milestone in the history of human civilization. This book attempts to discuss the economic and cultural relationships between the Central Plains and Northeast China by analyzing the metallographic structure of iron artifacts unearthed in Northeast China and studying the development, spread, and exchange of iron smelting technology. The period from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Northern and Southern Dynasties was a significant stage in the development of ancient Chinese steel technology. During this time, not only was pig iron widely used, but also new heat treatment processes such as coking steel, carburizing cast iron, and local quenching emerged. Research in this area has been extensive. This book combines experimental research and historical documents, discussing the research methods of ancient steel technology and the criteria for identifying ancient steel products. Taking the iron artifacts unearthed from the Lishishan Chu King Tomb in Xuzhou, Wangchenggang in Luoshan, Henan, and the Lamadong Cemetery in Beiyao as starting points, the book focuses on the development of iron artifacts in the Central Plains and northern regions during the Qin and Han dynasties to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, as well as their relationships with surrounding areas. Additionally, it systematically studies the causes of the formation of patterned microstructures and their significance for modern material research.