Bronze Age Greek Rings Made from Meteoritic Iron Identified

Chemical analysis of 91 ancient iron objects from 33 archaeological sites in Greece and Crete revealed that 13 rings contain nickel, a signature of meteoritic iron. Researchers estimate that about ten of these signet‑type rings were forged using iron from meteorites, while three require further study.

The rings, recovered from elite tombs, settlements and a temple, were often combined with gold and silver, indicating their role as high‑status symbols. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggests the rare metal may have been imported, likely from Egypt, where meteoritic iron was also prized. Prehistoric archaeologist Eleni Mantzourani of the University of Athens and astrophysicist Matthieu Gounelle of the French National Museum of Natural History led the investigation.