New findings of ancient Greek silver sources

Over the last 60 years, much analytical research has sought to determine ore sources of ancient Greek silver artefacts. Lead isotopic analysis played a key role in this endeavor. While most studies so far have limited their search places mentioned historical sources, present study takes different approach by first identifying Ag-bearing Aegean world based on geological characteristics and then using Pb isotopes whether they were exploited antiquity. To end, we geolocated, sampled, measured high-precision compositions 17 mineralizations Greece for which evidence mining activity, further 10 exhibiting minor Ag occurrences that may also been times. We found model ages provide better discrimination than more conventional plots raw isotope data. Our establishes Lavrion, northeast Chalkidiki, Pangaeon, Thasos, Siphnos, Palaea Kavala, Angistron, south Euboea as important districts Greece. Two previously undiscovered areas Pelion Kroussia mountain range are documented. The latter be identified with Mount Dysoron, from King Alexander I Macedon reportedly extracted fabulous sum talent per day. For time, isotopically differentiate some Thraco-Macedonia, show mines Thasos include geologically silver-bearing sources. identify hitherto unrealized importance Euboean demonstrate overlap those major implications our understanding history.