According to a report published by Euronews, a new scientific study has revealed that metalworkers active during the Sasanian Empire approximately 1,400 years ago experimented with brass alloys much earlier than previously believed.
As part of the research, archaeological findings obtained from the regions of Merv and Nineveh, located within present-day Turkmenistan and Iraq, were examined in detail. Chemical analyses indicate that metal production during this period was not limited to tin bronze alone, but also included brass alloys containing varying amounts of zinc.
According to experts, these findings demonstrate that the metallurgical knowledge of the period was far more advanced than previously assumed. The study suggests that craftsmen of the era not only improved existing production techniques, but also consciously experimented with new alloy compositions. In particular, the control of alloy ratios and the diversity of production methods indicate that metalworking had reached an advanced level both technically and experimentally.
Researchers emphasize that these developments were not solely intended for aesthetic or decorative purposes, but were also aimed at improving technical properties such as durability, machinability, and performance in practical use. This demonstrates that metal production at the time was based not only on craftsmanship, but also on systematic technical knowledge.
These newly discovered findings shed light on the historical development of metalworking in the Middle East and suggest that existing knowledge regarding the origins of brass production should be reconsidered.