Question

Discuss why ancient iron smelting in " Samanala wewa" in Srilanka was special

Answer 1

Ancient iron smelting in " Samanala wewa" in Sri Lanka was special because numerous iron smelting technology sites have been discovered by archaeologists. According to them, these iron smelting operations were functioning nearly from 3rd century BC to about 12th century AD for a time span of 15 centuries.The west-facing slopes of furnace receive sufficient wind flows during the southwest monsoon period which helps in burning of charcoal but initial step involve use of wood to heat-up the furnace.

Replications of iron smelting process have shown the ability of those furnaces to operate and produce high carbon impurity free steel and low-carbon bloomery iron also.Some of these furnaces have been sources of steel for the legendary Damascus swords which was known for their sharpness and durability.