Achaemenid Metalworkers in the Persepolis Archives- ECIS9, Berlin, 10.09.2019
Activities of artisans and artists in Achaemenid period is documented in a wide array of sources, notably for the core of the Achaemenid Empire. The so-called Susa Charter (DSf-DSz-DSaa) is the oldest written document from this area to mention metalworkers. It remarks that Median and Egyptian goldsmiths worked on the palace of Susa. Shortly afterwards, the Persepolis Archives (Fortification and Treasury tablets) speak about goldsmiths, silversmiths and coppersmiths who worked or travelled in the Persian Empire. Also, the Persepolis Treasury tablets provide evidence about lead working, providing a background for the archaeologically well-attested use of clamps. The metalworkers were from different countries under Persian rule. Egyptians are, for example, variously document as goldsmiths. Inscriptions evidence suggests the activity of Lydian and Median smiths. This research aims to address the various metallurgic specialisations in terms of philological relationship, status, wage, gender and nationality. It will also evoke archaeological evidence, which indicates that the Achaemenids produced considerable quantities of metal objects (artisanal and agricultural tools, weapons, vessels, ornamental elements, jewellery) and deployed metal in architecture as well. Metalworkers produced various objects for different social classes and different architectural and other contexts; it would be a valid assumption that they played a notable role in the society of Achaemenid period.