Traces of historical metallurgy and charcoal burning in the Daleszyce region (southern Poland)

Authors

  • Paweł Rutkiewicz Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, Holy Cross Branch of Jan Czarnocki in Kielce, Zgoda 21, 25-378 Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1576-0627
  • Marzena Kłusek Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics – Centre for Science and Education, Division of Geochronology and Environmental Isotopes, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4341-5719
  • Danuta J. Michczyńska Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics – Centre for Science and Education, Division of Geochronology and Environmental Isotopes, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5348-5791
  • Alicja Ustrzycka Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Physics – Centre for Science and Education, Division of Geochronology and Environmental Isotopes, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4084-9231
  • Dariusz Wieczorek Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, Holy Cross Branch of Jan Czarnocki in Kielce, Zgoda 21, 25-378 Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6612-5349

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7306/gq.1806

Keywords:

historical metallurgy, charcoal burning, iron smelting, radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, Holy Cross Mountains

Abstract

Remains resulting from historical iron smelting and charcoal burning in the Daleszyce region (Holy Cross Mountains, Poland) have been examined using a combination of analysis of archival map data, historical literature review, digital elevation models, and absolute dating techniques (radiocarbon and dendrochronological dating). We identify and document sites associated with iron smelting and charcoal production, in the form of extensive remnants of bloomeries, ironworks, iron ore extraction shafts, and charcoal hearths, confirming the significant role of metallurgy in shaping the historical landscape. Radiocarbon and dendrochronological dating indicate that iron smelting and charcoal production were active between the 16th and 19th centuries. The environmental impact of metallurgy, particularly deforestation, and its contribution to local economic development, is highlighted. These findings serve as a foundation for further interdisciplinary research on historical metallurgy in Central Europe.

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Published

2025-09-23

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

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