The haizeola and the origins of the ‘Catalan method’: The medieval iron metallurgy culture in the Pyrenees

Mercedes Urteaga; Xabier Alberdi; Iosu Etxezarraga; Fernando Suquía; Mertxe Urkiola; Jose Ugarte

doi:10.35686/AR.2018.22

The haizeola and the origins of the ‘Catalan method’

The medieval iron metallurgy culture in the Pyrenees

Authors

Mercedes Urteaga Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Archives and Heritage Services, Culture Department. Urdaneta street 9, E-20006 Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country
Xabier Alberdi Mining Museum in the Basque Country, Bº Campodiego, S/N, E-48500 Gallarta (Abanto-Zierbena) Bizkaia
Iosu Etxezarraga Mining Museum in the Basque Country, Bº Campodiego, S/N,. E-48500 Gallarta (Abanto-Zierbena) Bizkaia
Fernando Martín Suquía Burdinola Society, Bº Telleriarte Auz, S/N, E-20230 Legazpi (Gipuzkoa)
Mertxe Urkiola Burdinola Society, Bº Telleriarte Auz, S/N, E-20230 Legazpi (Gipuzkoa)
Jose Luis Ugarte Burdinola Society, Bº Telleriarte Auz, S/N, E-20230 Legazpi (Gipuzkoa)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35686/AR.2018.22

Abstract

Recent research shows that furnaces characteristically used in the ‘Catalan method’, a direct system of obtaining iron, are much older than they were thought to be. Archaeological evidence obtained in recent years indicates that the same model of furnace, although with smaller dimensions, was part of the ironmaking culture of the pre-water-powered phase, when work was done by manpower. This phase has been dated to between the 9th and 14th centuries and relates to installations known as haizeolas. They have been recognized in the Basque territories of Biscay, Gipuzkoa and Alava, in a geographical area on the western edge of the Pyrenees.

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Published

01-10-2018

How to Cite

Urteaga, M., Alberdi, X., Etxezarraga, I., Suquía, F., Urkiola, M., & Ugarte, J. (2018). The haizeola and the origins of the ‘Catalan method’: The medieval iron metallurgy culture in the Pyrenees. Archeologické Rozhledy, 70(3), 421–434. https://doi.org/10.35686/AR.2018.22