Development of product ion models of ironworking in forest-steppe and steppe Scythia (Belskoye and Kamenskoye fortified settlements)

The Scythian period is the time of the Early Bronze Age in Eastern Europe and the emergence of craft centers. The Bel'skoye hillfort is the most impressive of such sites in the forest-steppe belt, the same goes for the Kamenskoye fortified settlement located in the steppe belt. The archaeometallographic study found out that the technical level of ironworking development in the both centers had reached high level. However, production models differed substantially. Local blacksmith craft development at Bel'skoye was influenced by a highly developed (most likely, ancient Greek) production center. At Kamenskoye ironworking emerged under direct influence of Caucasian production traditions.