A new setting for the northern border of the Veneti: metallic finds from the venetic site of Monte Calvario, Auronzo di Cadore

In 2000 several bronze and lead objects were discovered at the Venetic-Roman site (200 BC – AD 200) of Monte Calvario di Auronzo, in the Italian eastern Alps. They were mostly finished artefacts plus semi-worked products. Analysis included SEM–EDS, EMPA, XRPD, TMS and AMS spectrometry. The compositional results of the finished artefacts suggest that the choice of the alloy had been made according to the decorative techniques to be used. A semi-worked high-leaded bronze object indicates the existence of a metallurgical production of cast artefacts at the site. TMS analyses of a lead ingot exclude local provenance, proving the existence of important trade routes.