Prehistoric Copper Mining Between Hohe Salve and Hahnenkamm: First Results of Mining Archaeological Surveys in the Brixental and the Grattenbergl/Kirchbichl (North Tyrol, Austria)

Abstract

The Brixental was an important connecting area between the Bronze and Iron Age copper mining districts of Schwaz-Brixlegg in the  west and Kitzbühel-Jochberg in the east. For this reason, the mining landscape of the Brixental, which has been little researched to  date, was investigated for potential prehistoric copper mines. Through literature research and the study of geodata (DEM, orthophotos) prior to the surveys carried out in 2023, a total of six core areas were defined, which were investigated for the presence of mining archaeological features and finds. During the survey, all relevant features like mining heaps (Bergbauhalden), depressions formed by open-cast mines or collapsed adits/”mining pits” (Pingen) and underground mines (untertägige Abbaue) were documented and samples were collected for radiocarbon dating. In this way, it was possible to provide evidence of prehistoric mining at three sites based on the artefacts discovered (stone tools, pottery, slag, etc.), while in the case of Götschen near Brixen im Thale it was possible to obtain radiocarbon dating for Early to Middle Bronze Age mining. In addition, various samples provided evidence of widespread mining activities in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Age. In these periods the Brunnalm in Kirchberg in Tirol was particularly  important. Located at the western entrance to the Brixental, Grattenbergl in Kirchbichl was investigated using geophysical methods  (geomagnetic measurements), revealing evidence of metallurgical activities (smelting furnace and/or roasting bed) during  the  allstatt period. It can therefore be concluded that copper mining was carried out in the Brixental that was similar to the well-known mining  areas (Kitzbühel-Jochberg, Schwaz-Brixlegg) in the vicinity and that traces of it have been preserved to the present day.