Chemical Analysis of a Rare Byzantine Brass Weight with a Silver Inlay from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Ten Byzantine copper-based flat weights from the Temple Mount Sifting Project, one of them a rare four-keratia weight with a KA inlay, were subjected to chemical analysis. The results show that the four-keratia weight was made of brass (copper-zinc alloy), and the inlays of silver. It differs in its weight and chemical composition from the nine other weights which contain zinc, tin, and lead (and occasionally arsenic and silver) in varying ratios, and have no apparent inlays. Preserved silver inlays are rare, and this is the smallest of thirteen weights with such inlays found in the Southern Levant. The results therefore single out the four-keratia weight as unique not only in size and style, but also in chemical composition. The use of pure brass indicates that the weight was skillfully produced in comparison to the other weights, which were made of recycled metal. Brass was possibly selected for its contrasting tint, easy casting, and corrosion resistance.