Mining, metallurgy and minting in the middle ages 1

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The first of four volumes examines non-ferrous precious and base metal mining, metallurgy, and minting in the Middle Ages, covering the years 425–1125. It details the transition of precious metal production from the Western Roman Empire (–350) to the Sassanid and Byzantine Empires (350–650) and Central Asia (480–930). For nearly five centuries, Central Asia was the center of world precious metal production until a collapse led to a shift in silver and gold production to Europe and sub-Saharan Africa (930–1125). The text delves into mining activities in Central Asia during 480–930, exploring its societal impacts and the distribution of precious metals to China, India, Southeast Asia, Asia Minor, and Europe via the Trans-Pontine steppes. It also discusses the effects of Sassanid-Islamic silver and gold on European mining and monetary systems at the peak of trade (560–930) and how Europeans responded to the "Silver Famine" caused by the decline in Central Asian production (930–1125). This publication serves as a comprehensive resource on medieval coinage, metallurgy, and minting, making it essential for anyone deeply interested in medieval coins and their trade history.