Fig 1.
Map with sites mentioned in the text.
Fig 2.
Average Cu content in slag samples plotted against their radiocarbon dates.
Taken as is from Ben-Yosef et al. [11, Fig 3], the three distinct groups (marked by the rectangular frames) demonstrate the gradual development from PS I, PS II, and PS III. The dashed lines at 1140 and 925 BCE represent historical events: The Egyptian withdrawal in 1140 BCE and the Sheshonq I campaign in 925 BCE. Ken = Khirbet en-Nahas, KAJ = Khirbet al-Jariye, T = Timna.
Table 1.
Comparison between the "technological phases" to the "production systems".
Fig 3.
Results of the cluster analysis.
Cluster 1 shows a decrease in copper-production efficiency after the withdrawal of the Egyptians from Timna. Cluster 2 shows a gradual and continued improvement, which reaches roughly the same values achieved at Timna during the LBA. Cluster 3 shows advanced copper production of TP II. Cluster data information provided in S1 Table.
Fig 4.
Linear improvement in copper production at Timna and Faynan.
Based on ref. [11, Fig 2A–2C].
Table 2.
The three types of tuyères used in LBA and iron age.
Fig 5.
Schematic representation of a typical tuyère in a clogging process.