International Conference on 13–14 August 2026 at the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA) in Mainz, dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of archaeological iron.

The conference focuses on how find context, material properties, corrosion processes and conservation interventions jointly shape both the present condition of objects and their archaeological interpretation. Its aim is to bring these perspectives together in order to better understand the role of iron as a source of historical information.

The programme is structured into three thematic sections. The first addresses the production, technology and provenance of archaeological iron. The second focuses on corrosion processes and states of preservation from a scientific perspective. The third section examines conservation and restoration treatments as part of the object’s biography and considers their impact on interpretation.

With international participation, the conference seeks to encourage exchange between archaeology, the natural sciences and conservation-restoration, and to stimulate new research approaches and collaborations.

Programme and registration