Computer databases and investigations of metal production in the ancient Near East

The author discusses a series of methodical problems related with compilingand analysis of computer databases on archaeological metal finds from the Near Eastof the Chalcolithic, Early and Middle Bronze ages. The DB structure is presented, the stressis made on possibilities and advantages of the statistical analysis applied to the extendedand structured information. The results of statistical processing of the material by a numberof indications are shown in tables and key conclusions on the comparative analysisof the DB suggested. These concern general dynamics of production by the periods,distribution of finds by function, using various metals, chronological evolution of copper-base alloys, and comparison of regional models of metal production. Standard ingotsof metal (both bronze and gold as an inert material not liable to corrosion) are discussed.The author comes to the conclusion on the availability of the method, its only yet essentialdefect being extreme time and labour intensiveness.