Characterization of Archaeological Objects Coming from Moldovian Settlements in the XIV Century

Abstract

This paper presents the characterization, from the materials science point of view, of an object found in an archaeological vestige of the 14th century. The object studied (an iron nail used in constructions) proves that the inhabitants of those lands were very good craftsmen, capable of performing useful products for everyday life, who worked with precision, ingenuity and ability. The analysis of the archaeological relic led to the conclusion that plastic deformation was achieved by successive cycles of hammering (driving) applied after repeated heating meant to enable the material to regain its deformability so that, through low repeated deformation, it could finally reach the requested shape. The process is revealed by microstructural analysis and by the value obtained for hardness.