Dall'alto del Monte Guglielmo: dall'analisi geoarcheologica del territorio di Pisogne alla storiadel ferro bresciano

The iron mining and processing activities in the Pisogne area, already attested in the 10th century and continuing until 1966, have left extensive remains of mining sites. As part of a project aimed at preserving the evidence of this centuries-old history and promoting the area for tourism, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the local administration of Pisogne have promoted a feasibility study for an archaeo-mining park, based on a widespread archaeological survey and an in-depth analysis of the geological characteristics of the territory. During the research it was thus possible to carry out a precise evaluation of the geological characteristics of the area, identify geo-archaeological and mining evidence and draw up a geo-referenced map of the sites of interest. In this way, more than 120 mining sites and about 30 structures linked in various ways to the extraction and processing of iron were surveyed and catalogued: in particular, 15 roasting kilns (the so-called regane). This paper illustrates the initiative and its prospects in the scientific field. To further investigate the metallurgical processes carried out at these sites, researchers conducted a series of laboratory analyses on ore samples, slags, and other residues. These studies included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Florescence (XRF). The samples from the Regana Scodellaro consist in roasted ore and waste of local origin. The analysis of metallurgical waste revealed different types of slag, some associated with direct reduction methods used in medieval bloomery forges, while others suggest indirect refining processes that became widespread in the late Middle Ages. Notably, the morphology and composition of some of the slags raise the possibility that the facility had been used at some point for pig iron refining and/or steel production. The evidence suggests a gradual shifting from older techniques to newer innovation, highlighting a continuity in the occupation of metalworking sites and the adaptability of local metallurgical practices. The study ultimately underscores the importance of Pisogne in the broader history of iron production in the Brescia valleys. This research highlights the importance of the resources of the Pisogne area. Future research efforts will focus on excavating key sites, particularly the Fraine Mill, to clarify its function and its role in the local metallurgical network, and the Quattro Ossi regana. Expanding metallurgical analysis will provide further insights into the technological advancements in ironworking over time. At the same time, continued work on the archaeo-mining park will enhance public access to these historically important sites.