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).