Rings forged from meteorites may have been fashionable among ancient Greek elites

Selection of iron jewels from Late Bronze Age (L). The red dot indicates a Ni-bearing artifact. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2026.106622 Meteorites provided a rare but ready source of iron for ancient Bronze Age cultures before smelting became common. A new study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, sheds light on how the ancient Minoan and Mycenaean elite used this extraordinary metal and when its popularity declined. Meteoritic iron in ancient cultures Previous archaeological studies have identified meteoritic iron in Bronze Age objects from Egypt, the Near East, Europe and Asia. One of the more recent findings was a dagger made from meteorite iron discovered in Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb, dating to around the 14th century BCE. The use of meteoritic iron particularly stands out during the Bronze Age because of the lack of iron smelting at the time. The authors of the new study write, "The exploitation of meteoritic iron in order to fashion utilitarian, ornamental, cult or magical objects is attested on every continent from prehistory to the modern era. The Inuit people from northern Greenland made knives and scrapers from the Cape York meteorites. In pre-Columbian America, some meteorites were ritually buried or carved to make jewels. In Egypt, a meteoritic iron talisman provided lasting protection for a herd of camels against bad luck." However, it was unclear whether Bronze Age Greeks used meteoritic iron. Testing had previously been limited on iron finds in Greece because the methods used could damage rare museum specimens. It was also unclear when the ancient Greeks began smelting iron. 13 otherworldly rings Newer handheld instruments using X-ray methods can now measure metal chemistry without damaging fragile materials, allowing them to be tested onsite rather than transported to labs. The researchers took advantage of this ability and examined 91 Bronze Age and Early Iron Age iron objects from 33 archaeological sites held in 19 museums. Since meteoritic iron contains high amounts of nickel, the team checked the objects' nickel content to determine whether they were meteoritic in nature. Of the 91 objects, they found 13 that had nickel content high enough to have come from meteorites. The team says that 10 of these were very likely made from meteoritic iron, while three were only possibly meteoritic and need additional testing. Although the objects tested included tools, weapons, jewelry and other ornamental items, only finger rings were made of meteoritic iron. Most of these rings were found in tombs with other valuable objects and combined with gold, silver or bronze, suggesting they were elite status symbols. Selection of iron jewels from Middle Bronze Age (M) and Late Bronze Age (L). The red dot indicates a Ni-bearing artifact. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2026.106622 The study authors write, "The association of iron with other precious metals such as gold, silver and even bronze strengthens the assumption that these objects were symbols of power. Their owners were probably noble persons, members of the elite, since most of the Ni-bearing rings have been found in richly furnished tholos and chamber tombs, possibly linked to palatial settings in Mycenae, Vapheio or Kakovatos. "The only exception, the Anemospilia ring, comes also from a distinguished context as it has been found on the finger of a man who has been interpreted by the excavators as a high-ranking priest." The researchers point out that meteorites are very rarely found in Greece because of the climate's deleterious effects on exposed iron. However, in more arid regions, like Egypt, meteorites are more likely to be found. Because of this, the researchers say the iron meteorites were probably imported to Greece as a raw material from Egypt. However, there is no direct proof of where the original meteorites were found. The rise of smelted iron All but one of the 13 rings date to the Late Bronze Age. Although other rings were attributed to later periods, none were rich in nickel and were not likely made from meteoritic iron. The team says it appears that meteorite ring fashion flourished in the Late Bronze Age, then disappeared before or around the collapse of the Mycenaean palace system. This also seems to correspond with the time that iron smelting began. The team writes, "As far as smelted iron is concerned, our study made it possible to firmly ascribe a positive smelted origin to 78 iron objects from the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. Its earliest undisputed appearance dates to the 14th–13th century BCE in the form of a pendant found in Dendra and a ring found at Skoura. These two objects are the only ones to attest to a concomitant use of smelted and meteoritic iron. "Our analyses also confirm that the use of smelted iron (locally made or imported) started to blossom after the fall of the palaces, i.e., roughly during the 12th and 11th centuries BCE, somehow delayed in comparison to the Near East." Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan—this article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. Publication details Matthieu Gounelle et al, Iron in Greece in the second millennium B.C.E., Journal of Archaeological Science (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2026.106622 Who's behind this story? Krystal Kasal Freelance science writer with Master's in physics. Five years clinical research and physics education experience. Science communicator. Full profile → Lisa Lock BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile → Robert Egan Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile → © 2026 Science X Network Citation: Rings forged from meteorites may have been fashionable among ancient Greek elites (2026, August 14) retrieved 15 August 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-08-forged-meteorites-fashionable-ancient-greek.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.