About Us
Build archaeometallurgy together
The Institute for Archaeo-Metallurgical Studies (IAMS) is an international body whose purpose is to initiate and promote research into the origins and developments of mining and metallurgy and its culture-historical significance, from its earliest, prehistoric beginnings to recent times.
IAMS is a registered UK charity affiliated to the UCL Institute of Archaeology in London, UK and associated with the A. G. Leventis Archaeological Materials Science Laboratories of the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Every year, the Institute for Archaeo-Metallurgical Studies provides a short intensive course combining lectures on ancient mining and metallurgy by preeminent scholars in the field of archaeo-metallurgy. These lectures cover a wide range of topics, such as archaeological evidence for smelting technology, furnace design, technical ceramic production, and experimental reconstructions. The wide range of expertise and diverse knowledge base of the scholars invited to present at the summer school ensures that it remains an ever-evolving teaching experience that provides world-class training for anyone interested in learning more about this interesting and emerging field of study.
The Beno-Rothenberg Memorial Lecture, held annually at the UCL Institute of Archaeology, is the key event for iams. Every year, it highlighting the research of a leading scholar in memory of the founding director of iams, Professor Beno Rothenberg. Past speakers include Dr Jane Humphris (2023), Professor Marcos Martinón-Torres (2024), and Dr Oliver Pryce (2025).
Origins and Legacy
The Institute for Archaeo-Metallurgical Studies (IAMS) was founded in response to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the excavation of Timna, in Israel’s Arabah Valley. Discovered and excavated in the 1960s by Professor Beno Rothenberg, Timna rapidly emerged as the earliest known large-scale centre of copper mining and smelting in the Near East, fundamentally reshaping understanding of ancient metallurgical technology.
Following a decade of pioneering fieldwork and the discovery of an Egyptian temple at the heart of the mining complex, Professor Rothenberg’s research attracted international attention. His lectures in London and the landmark 1971 British Museum exhibition catalysed the creation of a permanent international body dedicated to archaeo-metallurgical research.
In 1973, with the support of Sir Mortimer Wheeler (British Academy), Sir Val Duncan (Rio Tinto Zinc), and chaired and financed by Sir Sigmund Sternberg, IAMS was formally established as a London-based institute with a global remit. It has since developed into a leading teaching and research institute, based at UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.